West Rockhill supervisors pass data center rules, but will amend them amid outcry

Nearly 200 West Rockhill Township residents attended a Board of Supervisors meeting on April 15th to voice strong opposition to data centers being located in the township. Protesters gathered outside the municipal building, displaying signs highlighting concerns about noise, toxic air, dirty water, higher utility bills, and fire hazards. Inside, residents packed the meeting room for a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment intended to regulate data centers. Residents, including Michael Brodeur and Ashley Adams, presented detailed arguments against the proposed ordinance, advocating for stricter regulations and even suggesting an ordinance so inhospitable that no developer would apply. Concerns were raised about potential water usage of 100,000 gallons per day, significant energy demands capable of powering 75,000 homes, and the inability of local fire companies to manage a data center fire. Resident Lauren Geitz suggested a six-month to one-year moratorium on data center construction to develop a more adequate policy, referencing a similar moratorium in Olyphant Borough. Township solicitor David Keightly explained that state law requires municipalities to adopt such ordinances for protection and regulation, not to ban data centers outright. Despite the overwhelming opposition, the three-member Board of Supervisors, including Hal Schirmer, Jay Keyser, and Dave Reiss, approved the zoning amendment. However, they agreed to incorporate residents' feedback, calling for significant changes before re-advertising and reintroducing an amended version at the May 20th supervisors meeting. Until then, the originally approved amendment stands.