Smithfield Township Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Residents in Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania are voicing strong frustrations and concerns over a proposed data center zoning ordinance. A public hearing was held where residents urged the Board of Supervisors to listen to their input regarding the Smithfield Gateway project and other proposed data centers.
Residents of Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania, gathered at a Smithfield Township Board of Supervisors meeting at J.T. Lambert Intermediate School to express their frustrations regarding a proposed data center zoning ordinance. Many attendees, including Joel Rafael, spoke during the public hearing to preserve their land and urged the Board of Supervisors to consider the community's input before making a decision.
The proposed ordinance is a response to multiple data center proposals across northeastern Pennsylvania, including the "Smithfield Gateway project" in East Stroudsburg. Residents like Carl Detwiler questioned the urgency of pursuing the ordinance when significant community opposition is evident.
The public hearing saw back-and-forth discussions between residents, the Board of Supervisors, and Solicitor Ronald Karasick. FOX46's Ryan Hartman reported that frustrations are high as residents feel their concerns about proposed data centers in their hometowns are not being adequately addressed. The story is developing as discussions continue.