Solar, data centers discussed in Damascus

The Damascus Township Board of Supervisors held a meeting on April 20 where they enacted Resolution #2026-06, implementing a 180-day moratorium on new data center construction applications. The township retains the option to renew this temporary halt on development.

During the meeting, the board also addressed several solar development projects. The final development plan for Tyler Hill Solar 1, a five-megawatt project, successfully passed review by the planning commission and zoning officer, meeting all stipulations. This plan has now been advanced to the board of supervisors for further consideration. Additionally, discussions continued regarding the conditional use permit for the Cochecton II solar project, located in Honesdale.

Further items on the agenda included approving an Inter-Municipal Cooperation Agreement Resolution with Honesdale Borough for sharing equipment. The board also discussed a pension plan for full-time employees, updates on local infrastructure projects such as road and bridge work, and a request from the Damascus Manor Community Center for assistance in acquiring a defibrillator. A preliminary plan for six new lots and a road extension in Equinunk was also accepted, contingent upon road completion and environmental approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding stormwater.