Swatara Township Supervisors Advance Residential Zoning Amendment, Refer Data Center Ordinance to County Planning
Swatara Township supervisors unanimously agreed to advertise a zoning amendment that would rezone two parcels from commercial to residential, potentially for townhouse-style apartments. Separately, the board also directed an ordinance governing data centers, which would place them in industrial zones, to county planning for review.
The Swatara Township Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to advertise a zoning ordinance amendment following a public hearing on May 21. This proposed change would rezone two parcels behind BG's Market from general commercial (C1) to medium-density residential (R2). This rezoning could facilitate plans by Iona Investment Group to build around 25 townhouse-style apartments, though the developer would not be legally bound to this specific plan if the ordinance is adopted. The surrounding lots are primarily zoned R2.
Separately, the supervisors also unanimously agreed to direct an ordinance specifically governing data centers to county planning. This ordinance aims to place data centers exclusively in industrial zones. Solicitor Colleen Gallo advised the board to move quickly on this ordinance to prevent developers from arguing for data center placement in any zone if the use is not explicitly addressed by current zoning regulations. The board also directed a residential forest district ordinance to county planning. The next regular meeting for the Swatara Township Board of Supervisors is scheduled for July 9.