Landowners and commissioners discuss data center in Mercer County
Mercer County commissioners are discussing lifting a moratorium on data center development that was enacted in March. Landowners in opposition are concerned about the potential for rapid development of data centers and other industrial projects, requesting two weeks' notice for any meeting where the moratorium might be lifted.
Mercer County commissioners recently convened to discuss the potential early lifting of a data center moratorium, originally enacted in March for a 12-month period. County leaders are evaluating whether to conclude the moratorium ahead of schedule, citing a desire to finalize a comprehensive ordinance.
Local landowners have voiced strong opposition to lifting the moratorium prematurely, expressing concerns that such a decision would immediately signal Mercer County as "open for business" to developers. They fear a rapid influx of projects, including data centers, solar farms, wind projects, and thermal and nuclear plants. Opponents are demanding a two-week notice before any meeting where the moratorium could be lifted, to ensure adequate public participation.