Home / Business and Economy / Blakely Borough Imposes Strict Regulations on Future Data Centers
Blakely Borough Imposes Strict Regulations on Future Data Centers
22 Oct
Summary
- Blakely Borough Council to vote on zoning amendment limiting data centers to specific area
- Amendment includes nearly 3 dozen conditions and restrictions for any future data center developments
- Borough spent 2 months researching data centers and consulting with residents to draft the ordinance
In a move to address residents' concerns, the Blakely Borough Council is set to vote next month on a zoning amendment that will strictly regulate future data center projects within the town. According to the proposed amendment, data centers will be limited to a specific area in the northwest corner of Blakely, above Business Route 6, and will be subject to nearly three dozen conditions and restrictions.
The borough spent close to two months researching data centers, including studying best practices from other municipalities, and consulting with local residents to draft the comprehensive ordinance. The amendment defines data centers and related terms, establishes mandatory conditions, and regulates fuel and battery generators as well as energy storage facilities. It also adds zoning for short-term rentals, another issue the borough has been examining.
Notably, the ordinance requires data center developers to conduct extensive environmental impact, health, and sound/noise studies at their own expense before the borough will consider approving their request. It also limits data centers to a maximum height of 40 feet, prohibits on-site electrical generation, and mandates numerous aesthetic guidelines to reduce the visual impact on the surrounding area.
