PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP – Preparing for the possibility of a data center continues to be a topic of conversation among Providence Township trustees.
With no zoning language to govern data centers in its books, Providence Township approved a one-year moratorium on April 15. Last month, they invited Waterville Township Trustee Toby Miller to share details on his township’s push to adopt a new M-3 zoning designation – and amend its M-2 and M-1 zoning language – rather than using a conditional use permit process put into place last year.
“Waterville Township is the first effort to do a comprehensive macro look at ‘here’s the scope, here’s what we can do,’ what are the advantages and disadvantages? We’re waiting to see how the Waterville Township resolution is dealt with at the [county] planning commission…and see what they come back with, which may alter the Waterville Township plan,” Trustee Steve Kendall said during the June 3 meeting. “We’ve got the moratorium in place. The idea is to have the material behind that once that moratorium expires.”
Using a zoning change instead of a conditional use permit allows citizens the right of referendum, pointed out Jim Fischer, who serves as zoning inspector for both Providence and Waterville townships. A permit is considered an administrative process, and therefore not subject to referendum, he added.
Resident Jeff Rice said he has concerns about shirt-tailing off of Waterville Township’s proposed zoning resolution language that will be reviewed by the Lucas County Planning Commission on June 24.
“If we were to adopt everything that they’re proposing to put in their book, you might as well hand the township keys to a data center,” Rice said.
Instead, he suggested that trustees do their own research and put together a committee of residents to help.
“Any effort is not a waste of time, unless we find out it’s a done deal,” Rice said, expressing that he hoped trustees had not signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Resident Dan Holtz also came to the meeting with questions about data centers, and wanted to know whether the trustees are for or against such projects.
“I don’t think there’s anything good about this at all. We’ll work with what the law allows us to work with. We can work with the tools the state of Ohio has given us,” Kendall said, referring to Ohio Revised Code.
Solicitor David Chamberlain said that it’s a fine line on what can and can’t be done. Making the law too restrictive can get it thrown out, he said.
Kendall said that data centers look for open land where there’s access to electricity, water and a highway. Half of the land in the township is unzoned, noted Zoning Commission Chair Jim Stang, urging trustees to look at getting the unzoned areas zoned in order to provide some regulations.
Any changes to the zoning resolution would involve a series of public hearings that would welcome citizen input, but in the meantime, Kendall suggested contacting representatives at the state level, to share opinions. He also noted that some of these state leaders might try to write the rules and eliminate local control.
“We’re trying to stay ahead of it. We need to be prepared if they walk in the door and say they purchased 2,000 acres,” Kendall said.
During the meeting, the trustees also:
-Listened to Laurie Manning of the Hylant Group speak about the Ohio Plan coverage for township vehicles, a claim on unit 88, the newest ambulance, which was hit by another driver in February, and options for replacing or repairing the squad.
-Heard that the Lucas County Engineer’s office reported that bids for resurfacing Patton and Manore roads came in four percent higher than the engineer’s estimate but is allowed. A contract with Gerken Paving for $519,102.64 was approved.
-Held a discussion with Fire Chief Richard Triggs about options for getting ambulance 88 repaired. While that is underway, insurance will cover up to $20,000 for a rental. RSVP charges $250 a day. In addition, Triggs is investigating options for the purchase of another ambulance to replace unit 89.
-Heard a Co. Rd. 1 resident ask for input on how to deal with a neighbor who had a lot of timber taken down but not removed. Trustees advised that this is civil matter as it’s on private property, but to give the neighbor time to get it cleaned up.
-Agreed to give a Manore Road homeowner until Oct. 1 to remove a shipping container from the property. The township has already given two extensions while an accessory building is being constructed.
-Approved Christine Cox as a volunteer firefighter. She plans to begin taking classes to become an EMT.
