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SOUTHINGTON -- The township is the latest community to consider a moratorium on data centers similar to what many other communities have done.
Trustee Chuck Vanek said at a recent trustees meeting that the zoning board has been discussing adding something in the zoning books to deal with anyone seeking a permit for a data center in the community.
Vanek said having a moratorium in place would allow township time to review and do research on how a data center could affect the community. He said the zoning board would take the first step on a moratorium on any permit filed with the zoning department.
Vanek told the other trustees, Cindy Speaker and Charles Hagman, that a moratorium should be considered and that he has spoken with some zoning board members.
"The zoning board will have to make a decision on what to bring to the trustees to be acted on,'' he said.
Vanek said he read where officials in Columbus are putting together nonbiased information about data centers to provide the pros and cons of centers. Speaker said having more information on data centers is needed.
Bazetta, Lordstown, Hubbard, Weathersfield and Niles are among the many Trumbull County communities to host public discussions on data centers and put moratoriums into effect.
Niles is holding a meeting today on data centers and Lordstown is planning to extend its moratorium an additional 180 days in June.
ZONING ISSUES
Southington trustees heard from Walter and Cindy Hatfield of Helsey Fusselman Road about what they can do to address a property in the 3500 block of the street that has several junk vehicles and garbage on the property and high grass.
Cindy said when they sit on their porch, they see the zoning violations on the other property.
"We have to look at it. It is a disgrace," she said.
Wakter said the problem has been going on for two years.
Trustees said they will see what can be done and noted that the Hatfields need to speak with Zoning Inspector Al Haberstroh, which they said they did.
Hagman recommended they bring their concerns to the zoning board.
Also, resident Will Fegley of Shanks Down Road expressed concerns about a section on the road blocked for vehicles has not stopped pedestrians from walking on the section and some trespassing on his property for hunting in wooded areas
Fegley said a trespasser shot his dogs.
Trustees said that section of the road is closed for motor vehicles and is gated off.
Fegley said a posted sign states "Road Closed" and should also apply to pedestrians. Vanek recommended Fegley contact the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office about trespassers on his property.