MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday approved temporary zoning regulations governing large-scale data centers and utility-scale battery energy storage systems, saying the action is intended to give the city more oversight while permanent regulations are developed.
The temporary ordinance establishes definitions for data centers and battery storage facilities, prohibits those uses in residential districts and requires developers to obtain a conditional use permit before projects can move forward in commercial or industrial areas. Applicants will also be required to submit information regarding electrical demand, water use, traffic, noise, lighting, fire protection, environmental impacts and plans for decommissioning facilities.
Community Development Director Matt Williams told council members the city currently lacks specific regulations for the facilities, meaning some projects could potentially proceed without the level of review city leaders want.
Council members repeatedly emphasized that Tuesday's vote did not approve any future data center project, but instead created a process requiring public hearings and council approval before any proposal could move forward.
The Hutchinson Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the temporary regulations during its June meeting.
Several residents addressed the council during public comment. Some urged the city to adopt strong permanent regulations and carefully consider environmental impacts, while others asked that any applications be delayed until permanent standards are completed. Council members said additional work on permanent regulations will continue over the coming months.
In other business, the council continued the public hearing on the Meadows on Monroe development until its July 21 meeting while staff completes development agreements.
Council members also set an Aug. 4 public hearing to modify the boundaries of the Landmark Community Improvement District. The proposed change would remove residential units from the district so the special sales tax would apply only to the commercial businesses on the building's ground floor.
The council also scheduled public hearings related to special assessments for infrastructure improvements in the Plum Creek development. During that discussion, council members expressed concerns about delays in residential construction and the potential financial impact on the city if homes are not completed on schedule. Developer Jim Strawn told the council the project has experienced engineering delays, utility issues, rising construction costs and marketing challenges but said work is continuing.
The council also authorized staff to begin the process of selling the city's former Information Technology building at 220 S. Parker Street through a private sale process after the department relocated to City Hall.
Earlier in the meeting, the Hutchinson Police Department was recognized for earning accreditation through the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Department leaders said the recognition followed a three-year effort to update policies, procedures, training and operations to meet statewide professional standards.
During public comment, resident Marcella Velasquez described increased traffic noise and safety concerns following construction of the new Avenue A roundabout, asking city leaders to consider ways to reduce the impact on nearby homeowners.
Representatives of Passageways also thanked the city, Strataca and the Hutchinson Police Department for partnering on the "Mission Underground" program, which provided combat veterans a quiet refuge from Fourth of July fireworks. Organizers said the event drew veterans from several states and generated national media attention.
Other residents addressed concerns involving electric bicycle regulations, a long-running water damage claim following a city water line break, and deteriorating pavement at the Elmdale Senior Center East parking lot.