MONTAGUE — The Montague Township Board unanimously approved a data center ordinance, devised to protect the township from unrestricted development, during its regular meeting Tuesday.
Discussion regarding this ordinance among the board began in January, and in June the planning commission held a public hearing for the drafted ordinance.
Following the ordinance’s approval last month, the ordinance was reviewed by the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners, finally coming back to the township board for approval. The ordinance is similar to that passed by White River Township and was reviewed by Williams & Works civil engineering firm in April for any necessary changes or additions.
This ordinance comes after widespread attention on data centers in the past 18 months, following controversies surrounding developments in Saline Township and in Lowell.
Said Supervisor Jeff King of the public outcry, “I don’t know if you guys are paying attention, but this has just blown up across our country,” adding, “I don’t know that we have a good place for [development] or not, but I think we’ve got a good ordinance."
Also discussed were updates regarding a new sign for the township soccer complex - due to be installed before the August meeting - and possible projects to dedicate road and senior millage funds. The board also congratulated Clerk Drew Roesler on his appointment as new Assistant Fire Chief for the Montague Fire District.
Primary elections will be held Aug. 4, with a “sweltering” small group of township personnel attending at the township hall, as Roesler assured.
