Farmer explains why a data center is perfect for his Conewago Twp. land

Jim Rexroth, a farmer in Conewago Township, York County, Pennsylvania, is facing significant community backlash over his proposal to sell 541 acres of his land on Bowers Bridge Road for a massive data center development. Rexroth argues that the land is not prime for farming and that a data center would be a more suitable and less impactful development than a large housing subdivision, which was previously planned for the site. He believes it could provide needed revenue for the township and Northeastern School District. However, residents are fiercely opposing the plan, citing concerns about environmental damage, excessive noise, and the profound loss of the area's rural character. They also fear that the immense power consumption of a data center would lead to skyrocketing electricity rates. These concerns were voiced by over 100 people who attended a heated Conewago Township Planning Commission meeting in October 2025, which Rexroth left without speaking. The Conewago Township Planning Commission is currently drafting a zoning ordinance specifically to address data center development, as several York County municipalities grapple with similar proposals due to the county's low real estate prices and access to power generation. Elysian Partners, a real estate company, has formally requested the township to amend its zoning law to permit a data center on Rexroth's property. The next planning commission meeting is scheduled for April 27, where Rexroth is expected to present his perspective.