New Morgan approves zoning changes for data centers

New Morgan Borough Council unanimously approved significant zoning changes, designating a property along Route 10 from R-Residential to I-Industrial and establishing a data center overlay district. This decision was made despite strong opposition from over 200 residents, primarily from surrounding Robeson and Caernarvon townships, who crowded the Borough Hall during two public hearings.

Residents voiced numerous concerns, including impacts on private wells, groundwater, streams, and deforestation, as well as potential issues with stormwater runoff, wildlife, traffic, air and light pollution, rising electricity costs, and noise. Borough solicitor Nicole Plank clarified that no data center application has been filed yet, and the borough is proactively setting regulations to control development. Council President Tressie Marroon-Bailey stated the overlay would give New Morgan officials control over data center placement and operations, citing potential commercial tax base expansion.

However, opponents argued the effects would extend beyond the small borough's borders. Ed Weaver, president of Weaver’s Orchard, highlighted concerns about already declining groundwater levels, while Anne-Marie McMahon of the Hay Creek Watershed Association pointed out the proposed overlay’s proximity to critical cold-water streams. State Rep. Mark Gillen also urged caution, raising questions about water and electricity supply, transparency, and the lack of specific emergency protocols for data center fires within Pennsylvania.

Critics, like Daniel Nugent of Robeson Township, contended that the approved ordinance does not go far enough in addressing crucial aspects such as property setbacks, low-frequency noise, renewable energy, recycled water, and heat generation, and called for more community input.