Luzerne County judge denies motion to block Newport Twp. meeting next week

Luzerne County Judge Lesa Gelb said she will deny a request for an emergency injunction that would have blocked an upcoming Newport Township commissioners meeting. Gelb found no irreparable harm requiring the meeting to be stopped, although the underlying Sunshine Act lawsuit by township residents will continue.

The plaintiffs argue Newport Township failed to properly notify the public about an April meeting where commissioners approved an ordinance and zoning map allowing data centers by right across broad areas of the township. The township’s attorney, William McPartland, said meeting notices complied with legal requirements, while residents said the community was denied a meaningful opportunity to weigh in on the zoning change. The meeting will proceed without data center development on its agenda, even as residents continue challenging permits for a proposed 15-data-center complex near Glen Lyon and Lee.