Communities in Franklin and Perry counties holding meetings over AI data centers

Communities across Pennsylvania's Susquehanna Valley are actively engaging in discussions regarding the increasing number of proposed AI data centers in the region. Watts Township in Perry County is set to host a community meeting, where local residents intend to press township supervisors to explore zoning ordinance modifications amid growing concerns about the potential noise and physical footprint of these large-scale facilities. Concurrently, Franklin County commissioners are advancing efforts to establish countywide guidelines for data center zoning. A hearing has been scheduled to address a proposal outlining best practices aimed at protecting residents and minimizing the impact on valuable farmland. These guidelines are designed to provide a framework for smaller townships that may lack extensive experience in managing complex zoning regulations related to data center developments. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader regional effort to proactively manage the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure.