Greenfield supervisors vote yes on "preemptive" data center zoning ordinance

Greenfield Township supervisors in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, voted to amend existing zoning ordinances to restrict data centers to industrial districts only. The decision was made at a public meeting attended by dozens of residents, many of whom expressed general aversion to data centers, citing environmental concerns such as potential impacts on fresh drinking water and wildlife. Attorney Nathan Favreau, the township's solicitor, clarified that the purpose of the amendment was to proactively identify data centers as a use permitted solely in industrial zones. He explained that under current Pennsylvania law, if a use is not classified in a particular district, it can be allowed in all districts by special exception, a scenario the supervisors wished to avoid. Favreau stated that the supervisors are generally not in favor of data centers and aimed to represent the public's interests by limiting potential development areas. Greenfield resident Jenny Warren was one of the few public speakers to voice direct opposition to data centers, arguing that they are "very bad for the environment" and urging the council to simply "say no to them." She noted that residents value their environment and do not want changes that could affect natural resources. Despite the public sentiment, no data center project is currently being built or proposed in Greenfield, but residents like Warren remain vigilant, ready to fight future developments they perceive as a threat to their community.