New Castle approves data center zoning amendments as Frackville residents rally

The New Castle Township Board of Supervisors voted 2-0 to approve zoning amendments for data center development, establishing a new Highway Industrial zoning district along Interstate 81 near Frackville. The new regulations permit data centers as a conditional use, requiring a hearing, and impose various restrictions including 200-foot setbacks and studies on woodland disturbance, lighting, sewer, and emergency response plans. The decision follows the purchase of land by KRNL Data Centers behind the Schuylkill Technology Center-North Campus, with preliminary plans for a data center. The amendments were approved amidst an ongoing 180-day moratorium on data center development. Strong opposition was voiced by a large crowd of predominantly Frackville residents, who attended the meeting. Neighboring West Mahanoy Township and Frackville Borough also sent letters opposing the project. Residents and State Representative Tim Twardzik's son, Ryan Twardzik, raised concerns about the proximity to homes, potential community impact, and specific ordinance requirements like building height and setbacks. Township Solicitor James Conville and Attorney Donald Karpowich, who drafted the amendments, defended the ordinance as necessary to impose any restrictions, preventing data centers from being built without oversight and balancing restrictions to avoid legal challenges.