Butler Township Supervisors approve pause on data center applications, plan new regulations

Butler Township Supervisors have formally enacted a temporary halt on all new data center applications for up to 180 days. This decision provides the governing body with a six-month period to develop and amend the township's zoning ordinance to specifically regulate data center facilities. The measure was well-received by some residents, including Nate Eachus, who has advocated for stricter oversight of data centers in the region. The supervisors' action reflects a proactive stance in managing large-scale infrastructure development, particularly as interest in data center projects grows across Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. During this 180-day period, the township will not consider any applications for data centers, focusing instead on crafting comprehensive regulations. Separately, the supervisors also approved a "quality of life" ordinance aimed at addressing various nuisances such as noise, weeds, and junk cars. This ordinance, which faced some opposition from residents concerned about property rights and the appeals process, was defended by Supervisor Michael Reich as a way to streamline enforcement of existing International Property Maintenance Code regulations. The new rules allow code officers or police to issue tickets for violations, with an appeals process available through the township's Uniform Construction Code Board before cases potentially move to magisterial or county courts.