Franklin Twp. works on data center ordinance

Franklin Township, Pennsylvania, is actively working on finalizing a revised zoning ordinance with a significant focus on regulating data center development. During a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, residents, including Jill Renfrew, pressed officials on the progress of the ordinance, citing concerns about the township's vulnerability under its outdated 1972 zoning. Supervisor Fred Kemmerer Jr. highlighted that the ongoing zoning rewrite provides an opportune moment to incorporate comprehensive regulations for data centers, preventing developers from dictating terms through "curative amendments." Township solicitor Tom Nanovic advised against delaying the matter, noting that other municipalities he represents are similarly amending their ordinances to address data center impacts. Board Chairman Nick Storm also expressed his readiness to move forward with the revisions. Kemmerer Jr. assured residents that an update on the ordinance's progress, which had been previously delayed by other municipal priorities like solar farm zoning, would be provided at next month's meeting.