New data center plans approved in Dauphin County
Swatara Township commissioners approved plans for a large data center on Highland Street in Dauphin County. Residents raised concerns about noise pollution, power use and property values, but township officials said state law prevented them from denying the development solely because it is a data center.
Swatara Township commissioners approved plans for a large data center on Highland Street in Dauphin County, behind the WITF public broadcasting station. The vote followed public concerns about potential noise pollution, electricity consumption and effects on nearby property values.
Township officials said Pennsylvania law limits their authority to reject data center development based only on its proposed use. They emphasized that local governments must provide a place for such facilities rather than impose an outright ban without another location in the community.