Citizens Advisory Committee on Data Center: August 18, 2026
MEETING: Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Data Center Siting
Date: 8-18-2026
Recorder: Cathy Cooper
BACKGROUND:
This subcommittee of the Plan Commission has had four previous meetings for the purpose of drafting recommendations to submit to the Plan Commission. Previous meetings include presentations from outside speakers. Accomplishments to date include:
· Updated definition of a data center
· Development of an overlay ordinance draft
· Delineation of steps a developer must complete
· Document with questions/considerations related to data center development in Hancock County.
The original timeline for completion was October but after the last meeting, the committee was informed to complete their work by tonight.
The meeting focused primarily on public comments. Standing room only.
The livestream did not function, but the meeting was recorded.
BOC meeting this morning included presentation of LOI from developer EQT for Data Center proposal at 500N and 500W. Public was advised that the LOI is not under the purview of this committee.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT AGENDA ITEMS AND KEY POINTS:
Leader Mr. Long presented a summary of work to date.
Kayla Brooks of Plan Commission presented draft of overlay ordinance followed by some brief discussion.
This was followed by two hours of public comment. All presenters were opposed to DC in Hancock County for the multitude of environmental, quality of life, transparency, privacy factors. Public comments were transcribed and will be included in report to plan commission.
Following public comments, there was discussion on whether to have a sixth meeting to finalize the committee’s recommendations or to complete the work the same evening. This led to an outburst by one committee (M.Jackson) member who resigned. P.Overhauser committee member made a motion to recommend a DC moratorium to the Plan Commission. This was voted down 5-3.
It was then moved, seconded and voted to schedule a sixth meeting (DTD) for the committee to summarize its work to submit to the Plan Commission:
· Updated definition of a data center
· Development of an overlay ordinance draft
· Delineation of steps a developer must complete
· Document with questions/considerations related to data center development in Hancock County
· Summary of tonight’s public comments.
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS, NOTES, FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:
Commissioner Gary McDaniel is quoted as supporting a data center in Hancock County claiming that state government will force the issue.
