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ACE Basin Data Center Drama: Local Zoning Board Chair Replaced
Opponent of controversial data center loses board seat…
Opponent of controversial data center loses board seat…
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3 comments
The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial body authorized to consider applications for certain identified land uses that are not allowed by right, but by Special Exception, if approved by the BZA. It is not a “Special Exemption.” The BZA is also authorized to consider applications for Variance from the zoning ordinance, but that is not what is under consideration in this case. Special Exception, not Special Exemption. There are criterion that must be met for the Board to approve a SE, by making findings of fact and conclusions of law. This process is authorized by the SC Code of Laws empowering local governments to engage in land use planning and zoning enforcement of zoning ordinances. The Special Exception criterion are not based on amount of FILOT (taxes) paid or fingers in the air to public opinion. Even if granted, the Special Exception can be appealed to the SC Court of Common Pleas.
What ecological harm does a data center cause? They certainly aren’t manufacturing anything that emits toxic chemicals or exhaust. About the only thing I can think of is that it might use an inordinate amount of water for its cooling systems – but the article doesn’t elaborate. Most people also don’t realize the harm caused by the fertilizers used by farms that then leach into the water table and the rivers, but we don’t do much to restrict that.
From all that I have heard and read most of these type data centers use much less people to operate them than the developers
claim. Most that have been built and are up and running use 40-60 employees not even close to the 450 employees these developers have thrown out there. It would be wise to not count on this as a big employer. Also this area does not have the electrical capability at this time to even supply the power to operate one.
With the giant mega farms using all the water that they need plus the large amount a data center will require could well dry up the rivers in that area. Surely there has to be a better place that to build a data center than so close to the ACE area which is one of the very few pristine natural areas that South Carolina has.