Wellsboro council room filled by data center objectors
The Wellsboro borough council held a special meeting where 35-40 residents expressed concerns about a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance concerning data centers. The amendment, modeled after the county's ordinance, seeks to regulate data center construction by restricting it to the commercial manufacturing district. Despite calls for a prohibition, the council approved the amendment to implement regulations.
Wellsboro, PA - A special meeting of the Wellsboro borough council saw significant public attendance, with 35 to 40 residents gathering to voice concerns and suggest improvements to a proposed zoning ordinance amendment related to data centers. The meeting, held outside the regular schedule, specifically addressed the need for local regulations given that Tioga County adopted its own data center ordinance in December 2025 for municipalities without zoning. As Wellsboro has its own zoning, a borough-specific ordinance was deemed necessary.
Mark Thompson, chair of the Wellsboro Planning Commission, emphasized the borough's vulnerability without current regulations, stating that while a total prohibition on legitimate businesses is not possible, "reasonable regulations" can be imposed. The proposed ordinance, based on the county's model, would limit data center construction to the commercial manufacturing district, which includes former industrial sites. Residents raised issues including impacts on the electrical grid, noise, light and water pollution, effects on local wildlife and property values, and concerns over utility prices, with several speakers advocating for an outright ban on data centers.
Despite the strong opposition to allowing data centers, council members expressed shared concerns and clarified that their actions aim to protect the borough, not invite development without oversight. Councilor Matt DeCamp highlighted that without the amendment, the borough's current zoning lacks specific data center regulations, leaving it exposed. The council indicated it could further amend the ordinance or attach additional conditions to permits. Ultimately, the Wellsboro borough council approved the amendment to its zoning ordinance.