Sugarloaf Twp. tables data center resolution as court case goes on

Sugarloaf Township supervisors considered but ultimately tabled a resolution to draft new zoning rules for data centers. The decision followed concerns from residents that enacting such a resolution might negatively affect their position in an ongoing legal case.

The proposed resolution intended to address the township's existing zoning ordinance, which was deemed "substantially invalid" concerning data centers, and sought to initiate a curative amendment. This move comes amidst a prolonged court battle that began after supervisors rejected a curative amendment proposed by LBT Investment Group in June 2025.

Despite LBT's recent withdrawal from the case, another entity, Sugarloaf Logistics, filed a legal action on September 18 to join the proceedings and continue advocating for the curative amendment. Luzerne County Judge Lesa Gelb recently heard arguments regarding Sugarloaf Logistics' standing in the case, but no ruling had been issued before the supervisors' special meeting.

Supervisor Joseph DiSabella Jr. questioned the potential legal complexities of enacting a new curative amendment while a related court case is active. Township Solicitor Myer Messinger and special attorney Michael Crotty explained that if the court finds the current zoning ordinance exclusionary, the township could provide specific relief to the developer's property while enacting a broader curative amendment for the rest of the township. Residents Tony and Erika Cook, along with John Zola, expressed strong opposition, highlighting concerns about the timing of the amendment process relative to the court trial and potential future data center developments in the area.