Union Township plans public hearing on data center zoning restrictions

Union Township in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is advancing a new ordinance aimed at restricting potential data center developments to industrial zones. The Union Township Board of Supervisors, at its June meeting, voted to advertise an August public hearing to solicit public input on these proposed zoning changes. Township manager Brent McFeaters confirmed that no data center purchase requests have been made in the township to date, but solicitor Paul Bametzreider noted the proactive measure is intended to provide regulatory control.

In other township news, officials filed a civil complaint against property owner Mohamed Kenz for allegedly failing to restore his 11 Wolfe Lane residential property, which he reportedly paved over for commercial truck parking without proper permits or zoning changes. Kenz's attorney has requested a delay to respond to the complaint, which could result in significant fines if not addressed. The township's primary goal is to compel Kenz to revert the property to its residential zoning.

Additionally, planners for the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail held a public meeting to present a proposed design for a 2.1-mile extension, Phase 10B, entirely within Union Township. The project, funded by Lebanon County and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is estimated at $3.5 million, with construction slated for 2027-2028. A 30-day public comment period on the trail extension design is now open.