Town manager explains by-right use for Project Tallmadge
Strasburg Town Manager Mellanie Shipe explained why staff classified the proposed Project Tallmadge data center as a by-right use under the town’s 2024 zoning ordinance. Residents continue to question whether the project’s accessory facilities, infrastructure, environmental effects and other components meet all applicable requirements.
Strasburg Town Manager Mellanie Shipe told the Town Council that Project Tallmadge was classified as a by-right data center use under the Unified Development Ordinance in effect when the determination was made in 2024. She said the decision was an administrative application of the ordinance’s Information Services and Data Processing Industries classification, not a vote endorsing the project or permission to begin construction.
Shipe said the Tallmadge property’s Highway Commercial and Business Park/Limited Industrial districts both allowed the relevant classification at the time. She emphasized that the project remains subject to site-plan review, infrastructure, utility, stormwater, environmental and other permitting requirements, while noting that a new 2025 ordinance now addresses data centers more specifically.
Residents Kaylee Tanner and Sara Santmier questioned how accessory facilities such as generators, substations and fuel infrastructure would be regulated and urged the town to provide clearer answers about zoning, environmental, traffic, noise and utility impacts. The town has completed a second site-plan review and expects revised generator information in a subsequent review.