Headlines on data centers and what they mean for communities
Pennsylvania communities are weighing data centers through hearings, zoning changes and conditional-use votes. Gregg Township supervisors approved the PNK data center's conditional use 3-0, Salem Township expanded its data center zone by more than 3,000 acres, and Somerset County commissioners unanimously approved a data center ordinance. In Springdale, more than 100 people rallied against a data center before a county hearing, and developers withdrew applications for seven King of Prussia data centers.
8 headlines, newest first. Times are Pacific. Each headline links to the original reporting.
After 150 minutes of mostly negative public comment on Oct. 29, the Hazle Township planning department voted unanimously to send its data center rules, a curative amendment to the zoning ordinance, to the supervisors, who have final authority to enact them. The planners added recommendations to limit diesel generator run time, require separate review of small modular reactors, add lithium-ion battery fire safeguards and raise the decommissioning bond to 120% from 110%.
Dozens of people commented on Hazle Township's draft data center ordinance at a special Planning Department meeting Thursday, which would make data centers a permitted use in the I-1 Industrial District. Many speakers wanted data centers allowed only by special exception, others criticized cutting setbacks from 1,250 feet to 500 feet, and at least one speaker supported the draft as written. The township's solicitor said Dec. 7 is the deadline to approve a curative amendment on data centers.
Lower Swatara Township officials told a Thursday night planning commission meeting they are drafting a data center ordinance before any developer has proposed a project. Setbacks of 500 feet from homes and 250 feet from non-residential boundaries are among the requirements under consideration, and the commission aims to send a recommendation to township commissioners within a few months.