North Coventry eyes ‘curative amendment’ for writing data center zoning
North Coventry Township officials are considering a "curative amendment" to prevent data center applications while they draft new zoning regulations. This move comes after Douglass Township's withdrawal from the regional planning commission, which exposed North Coventry and other towns to potential data center proposals. The amendment would provide a 180-day pause, but supervisors are debating its immediate necessity and timing.
North Coventry Township officials are grappling with the repercussions of Douglass Township's withdrawal from the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee, a move that leaves North Coventry and seven other municipalities vulnerable to data center proposals. Supervisors Chairman Bill Soumis admitted the township "messed up" by failing to inform Douglass Township that North Coventry was studying Douglass's data center zoning ordinance, which reportedly triggered Douglass's decision to withdraw. This withdrawal removes the regional planning compact's protection, which allowed data center uses to be distributed among member towns, preventing any single municipality from being forced to accept such developments without specific zoning.
In response, North Coventry Township is now considering a "curative amendment" to its zoning ordinance. This measure, as explained by Township Solicitor Eric Brown, would acknowledge the current zoning's unconstitutionality and enact a 180-day pause on data center applications while a new, comprehensive ordinance is drafted. Township Manager Erica Batdorf estimates the drafting process could take six months to a year, drawing on guides from Chester and Montgomery counties and sample ordinances from groups like Penn Future and Food and Water Watch.
However, supervisors are divided on the immediate necessity of the curative amendment. Supervisors Vice Chairman Richard Scheler expressed a desire for its adoption to protect the township, while Chairman Soumis and Supervisor Chad Dudonis questioned its urgency, noting that Douglass Township is still technically part of the regional compact until its withdrawal process is complete. Anti-data center activists Paula Terrell and Ginny Keslake urged immediate action, with Terrell presenting a resolution from West Whiteland Township.
Ultimately, the board tasked Solicitor Brown with reviewing the proposed resolution for discussion at the next supervisors' meeting on June 8, indicating a potential vote or further deliberation on the temporary zoning measure.