Group seeks to put data center in Muncy Township
A data center complex has been proposed in Muncy Township, Pennsylvania by DANKO Holdings II/Fishlips LLC, despite initial assurances from Supervisor Terri Lauchle that no plans had been submitted. The Muncy Township Board of Supervisors has since enacted a nine-month moratorium on data centers to establish appropriate zoning regulations. The township also informed the developer that their initial submission was not official.
DANKO Holdings II/Fishlips LLC has proposed a data center complex in Muncy Township, Pennsylvania, with a zoning permit application dated April 15. The proposed site plan for the "Muncy Data Center" includes three buildings and auxiliary structures, located near the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Controversy arose as Muncy Township Supervisor Terri Lauchle initially denied any data center plans had been submitted, even as the township board considered a moratorium. Despite her assurances, Lauchle and Vice Chair Denise Artley voted to enact a nine-month moratorium on data centers on April 28, specifically to allow the township to develop zoning regulations, as current rules offer no specific guidance. Former solicitor Joseph F. Orso III explained the need for clear regulations.
Further complicating matters, a citizen's Right-to-Know request revealed that Muncy Township's acting open records officer, Kathryn Harper, found no official zoning applications for data centers between January 1 and April 26. Harper also formally informed DANKO Holdings II/Fishlips LLC that informal submissions to individual officials would not be processed, requiring all future plans to go through the township secretary's office for proper documentation.