Highlights about Environment

The Durham County Board of Commissioners debates how far a data center moratorium should go to protect water, climate commitments, and economic engines like Research Triangle Park, then grapples with a heavy capital plan, school facility needs, and projected property tax hikes under looming state limits on local revenue.

The Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons hears a resident’s detailed proposal for a “quiet summer” ordinance that would ban gas-powered leaf blowers from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with exemptions for farms, golf courses, and emergency storm cleanup.

Ravenna City Council worked through six committee meetings Monday night, covering everything from a decades old housing loan program to a new sewer truck priced above $600,000. Council members also reviewed a dispatch services agreement with the village of Manaway, moving several items forward for full council consideration while others, including a contested library rezoning and a proposed self storage ordinance, remain in progress.

The Ashtabula City Council debates expanding curbside recycling citywide, weighing fairness, finances, and social media criticism while ultimately approving new totes and trucks. Council members also review Lakeside schools’ post-snowstorm rebuilding plans, new grant funding, infrastructure upgrades, park cleanups, and changes to background check rules.