Williamsport leadership takes early steps to deal with data centers
Williamsport City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring its current zoning ordinance invalid as it pertains to data centers, which are currently excluded. This action initiates a 180-day period for city officials to revise the zoning to proactively address potential data center developments. The goal is to prepare the city for future data center proposals, considering their energy and water demands, without explicitly encouraging or barring them.
Williamsport City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring the city's current zoning ordinance "substantively" invalid concerning data centers. The existing ordinance does not adequately address data centers or their ancillary structures, such as power generating facilities.
Councilman Jonah Milliken, who helped prepare the resolution with Solicitor Justin Houser, clarified that this action does not ban or encourage data centers but begins a process to revise zoning. The goal is to proactively protect the community and ensure appropriate planning for potential future developments.
The resolution highlights the significant land, energy, and water requirements of modern data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence, and acknowledges both the potential economic benefits and burdens on natural resources. The adoption of the resolution initiates a 180-day period for city officials to review and amend the 1998 zoning ordinance to address these evolving technological needs, though it does not impose a development pause.
Council members Liz Miele and Adam Yoder expressed support for the proactive planning, with Yoder indicating the solicitor is already working on resources for the amendments.