Plan Commission Discusses Crypto Data Mining

The Effingham City Plan Commission Tuesday discussed data centers, crypto data mining, and related items. 

The discussion is in response to inquiries the City has received about such systems and the feeling that there is nothing in the city's Zoning Ordinance to regulate them. Following some discussion, the initial thought is to explore placing such projects in the light industrial district and requiring a special-use permit to regulate them. However, the discussion is only preliminary at this point.

The Commission also continued its discussion of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding duplexes and triplexes. A goal is to foster residential development, but to protect existing development. The thought is to make changes better suited for new construction. The discussion includes size requirements for the developments, which should deter such developments at older structures.

In items for a vote, Commissioners recommended the City Council approve a plat of the fifth addition to Historic Hills Subdivision. The property is on the northeast corner of Historic Hills Drive and Newcomb Drive. The Commission also voted to recommend the Council approve a plat of the first addition to Rollin Hills Subdivision, at the southwest corner of Rollin Hills Boulevard and Keller Drive, and is a replat of three lots into two lots.

Commissioners also recommended the Council rezone the lot at Rollin Hills and Keller from single family residential to neighborhood shopping district. Owner Mark Mayhood said he has no plans for the parcel at this time.

Two other public hearings were postponed until the Commission's February meeting, at the request of the petitioners.