Data center discussions continue to dominate Brookville Council meetings
The Brookville Borough Council is actively discussing data center development, focusing on potential moratoriums and water supply concerns. Council members met with state and federal representatives to understand the issue and voted to request a moratorium from county commissioners. The council aims to make informed decisions and ensure data centers are integrated responsibly.
The Brookville Borough Council continues to grapple with concerns surrounding data center development, prompting officials to seek further information and action. Councilman Randy Bartley and Council Member Karen Allgeier recently attended a meeting with state Representative Josh Bashline, state Senator Scott Hutchinson, and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick to discuss the issue, where national security implications were also raised. Bartley stated that Pennsylvania representatives are working to empower local moratoriums, and the borough is urging the county to enact a similar moratorium until their Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) is in place.
Council members emphasized the need for due diligence, with Allgeier planning a visit to a data center to better understand their operations. Council President Phil Hynes acknowledged the community's significant concerns, highlighting the council's commitment to making informed decisions. Former council member David Taylor specifically raised alarms about the impact on the local water supply, questioning the long-term benefits for the community.
In response to these discussions, the Brookville Borough Council voted to send a letter to the county commissioners, formally requesting a moratorium on data center development within the county. The motion passed, with one dissenting vote from Council Member Arthur McKinley, who also voiced broader frustrations about the council's perceived lack of clear goals and transparency, alleging violations of the PA Sunshine Act. Other council members, including Bartley, Allgeier, and Rick Park, defended the council's openness and accomplishments.