Portage Planning Commission Meeting - February 19, 2026

The Portage Planning Commission convened on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM for a public hearing and discussion on two items: a request for a larger and taller accessory pole barn at 300 Maryland Court, and a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems. The meeting included roll call, approval of previous minutes, public testimony, commissioner deliberation, and unanimous votes on both agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the January 22, 2026 meeting (unanimous).
• Excused Commissioner Ladd from the meeting (motion approved).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pole Barn (300 Maryland Court): Bruce Wine, a neighbor directly to the north, expressed support, noting the recreational benefit for children. Sarah Shockey, an adjacent property owner, voiced concerns about excavation, runoff, and additional traffic on the private road. John, a prospective buyer of Shockey's home, also raised concerns about road usage. The applicant (homeowner) clarified that the building is for family recreational use (basketball and volleyball), not commercial, and that only 1.6% of the lot would be excavated and six trees removed. He acknowledged marginal traffic increases but stated it would be similar to friends visiting for play.
• Moratorium (Data Centers & Battery Storage): Multiple speakers (John Paver, Paige Fraga, Sherylyn Davis, Mark Anthony Martin, Dale Davis, Miguel Frega, Mark Mower, Sarah Shockey) strongly supported the moratorium, citing concerns about water consumption (evaporative cooling, aquifer depletion), toxic emissions (hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, etc.), fire hazards (temperatures up to 1,0100°F), long-term waste disposal, foreign ownership, and the need for community protection. John Paver referenced a data center project in Pavilion Township and battery storage in Comstock, emphasizing the importance of careful study. Several speakers praised the planning commission's effort to pause and learn.

Discussion Items

• Pole Barn (300 Maryland Court): Staff presented the proposal: the property is 4 acres, the house is 3,107 sq ft, attached garage is 936 sq ft, leaving 2,171 sq ft allowed for accessory buildings. The proposed pole barn is 2,960 sq ft (exceeding by 789 sq ft) and 19.5 feet tall (3.5 feet above the 16-foot limit). Setbacks are 20 feet from the north property line and 75 feet from the west. Commissioners expressed support, citing the family recreational use, minimal tree removal, and neighborly intent. Commissioner Cobb noted the building's size precludes commercial use. The motion to approve included specific dimensions.
• Moratorium (Ordinance Amendment 25/26-2): Staff explained the need for a temporary moratorium to study and regulate data centers and battery energy storage systems, citing similar actions in Saline, Northville, and Howlow Township. The moratorium would run through December 21, 2026, or until new ordinances are adopted. It is paired with a city council police power moratorium. Attorney Catherine Kaufman clarified that the moratorium is legally defensible for a limited time, that separate sections can be lifted independently, and that projects of 50+ megawatts can bypass local zoning via the Michigan Public Service Commission. Commissioners discussed concerns about water, safety, and the need for careful study. The commission voted to recommend approval to City Council.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the request for a larger and taller detached accessory building (pole barn) at 300 Maryland Court, allowing 2,960 sq ft (789 sq ft over the limit) and a height of 19.5 feet (3.5 feet over the limit). Motion passed unanimously.
• Recommended to City Council the approval of Ordinance Amendment 25/26-2 to establish a temporary moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems through December 21, 2026. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment followed a brief statement period, including announcements about SMAC swimming finals.