Butler Township approves 180-day curative amendment moratorium

Butler Township supervisors in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, voted to approve a 180-day curative amendment moratorium during a Tuesday night meeting. This decision came in response to growing concerns over data center developments across Northeastern Pennsylvania and an acknowledgment that the current zoning ordinance lacked specific regulations for such facilities. Township Solicitor Donald Karpowich explained that the municipal curative amendment effectively declares the existing zoning ordinance invalid for data centers. This legal maneuver prevents developers from submitting their own zoning challenges or applications before the township can finalize its updated rules. Ginny Kerslake of Food and Water Watch supported the resolution, emphasizing the need for the township to strengthen its ordinance to avoid issues seen in other communities. The resolution allows the township 180 days to draft a comprehensive ordinance, addressing where data centers can be located and what restrictions they will face. During this period, a temporary moratorium will be in place, halting the processing of any new data center-related applications. Residents like Nate Eachus expressed support for the delay, highlighting concerns about inadequate setbacks in other areas, such as Salem Township.