<div>CUYAHOGA FALLS — Data centers were the focus of discussion at the Oct. 26 City Council meeting, which included a public hearing on proposed amendments to the development code.According to the legislation, it was determined that updates to the code were required to establish regulations for data centers to “consider the potential negative impacts of data centers on the community.”The proposed changes include defining data centers, limiting their maximum size, restricting the zoning districts where they can be located and establishing specific operating requirements.Deputy Director of Community Development Carrie Snyder said Cuyahoga Falls is unique in its approach to data centers because the city owns its own electric and water utilities.“Rather than an outright ban on data centers, we can put a limit on their power and water consumption and limit them in location and size,” she said.Snyder said the proposed changes would permit new data centers only in industrial and commercial districts. Existing data centers in the community would not be affected, she said.Other proposed restrictions include a maximum size of 5,000 square feet per building, a capped power use of 5 megawatts subject to Electric Department approval and a daytime noise limit of 70 decibels. The regulations would also require Water Department approval to use city water for cooling, and the data centers would be held to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency air and water standards.Three residents spoke in opposition to the proposed changes, citing concerns about noise and pollution and calling for stricter regulations.Kim Ferencz, senior planner for the Economic Development Department, said the city is taking a proactive approach to addressing data centers.“The increased digitization of life virtually guarantees the increased growth of these data centers,” Ferencz said.Council also held a public hearing on proposed revisions to regulations governing nursing homes, assisted living facilities and independent living facilities.The proposed amendments would limit the zoning districts where these facilities are permitted and require additional review procedures for larger facilities. Under the changes, new facilities would no longer be permitted in rural residential zoning districts and would be conditionally permitted in R-5 and R-6 mixed-use districts.Senior Planning Director Rob Kurtz cited the potential effects on Fire Department and EMS operations as one reason for the proposed changes. He also said city officials had reviewed zoning codes from other communities for guidance.Fire Chief Chris Martin said throughout the years he’s noticed the care throughout these types of facilities can be substandard. He said he has begun petitioning the Ohio State Fire Chiefs Association to pursue legislation addressing minimum certification standards for facility employees, along with staffing requirements.Council is scheduled to vote on both proposals at its Nov. 9 meeting.In other business, Council confirmed Mayor Don Walters’ appointment of Terry Mader to the Civil Service Commission. Walters recommended Mader to fill a vacancy on the commission and said the six-year term expires Dec. 31, 2027. Council approved the appointment 10-0.Council also authorized a $1.8 million contract with Virginia Transformer for the purchase of a substation transformer at the Valley Vista substation, and approved a resolution accepting the tax amounts and rates certified by the Summit County Budget Commission, authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying the authorization to the county fiscal officer.Council members held a moment of silence for Sharon Dorn, who was shot and killed Oct. 18 at the Natatorium, and extended condolences to her family and all those affected by the incident.Council held committee meetings Nov. 2 and is scheduled to hold its next regular legislative meeting Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Natatorium, 2345 Fourth St.</div>

Block Source: Akron Leader Publications

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

CUYAHOGA FALLS — Data centers were the focus of discussion at the Oct. 26 City Council meeting, which included a public hearing on proposed amendments to the development code. According to the legislation, it was determined that updates to the code were required to establish regulations for data centers...

Falls considers limitations on data centers, senior living facilities

NewsBreak

CUYAHOGA FALLS — Data centers were the focus of discussion at the Oct. 26 City Council meeting, which included a public hearing on proposed amendments to t

Falls considers limitations on data centers, senior living facilities

Comments