Public input sought on data centers

The Franklin County Commissioners have invited residents to a public hearing on April 28, 2026, to discuss a proposed amendment to the county's subdivision and land development ordinance. This amendment seeks to establish new regulations for data center development across Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The hearing will take place at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building in Chambersburg. Commissioner Chair Dean Horst expressed serious concerns about the potential impacts of data centers on communities, emphasizing that the amendment aims to implement reasonable measures to mitigate negative effects on residents, businesses, and the agricultural sector. The proposed guidelines are also encouraged for adoption by local municipalities to ensure consistency with the county's way of life. The amendment outlines standards for the construction, installation, and operation of data centers, with a specific focus on protecting natural resources, valuable farmland, and residents' health, safety, and welfare. While land use policies in Pennsylvania are primarily controlled by individual municipalities, the county's ordinance provides added safeguards. The document is available for public review online and at the commissioners' office. Public feedback will be accepted during the April 28 hearing and through an online comment form. The commissioners are expected to vote on the amendment following the public review period.