Dallas Township passes data center zoning amendment after heated public hearing

The Dallas Township Board of Supervisors convened a public hearing and special meeting to discuss a proposed zoning amendment for data centers, amid growing local discussion and speculation regarding their expansion. While the township has yet to receive any data center applications, residents voiced strong concerns about potential development, demanding the amendment be tabled due to perceived weaknesses. Tensions escalated as residents questioned the financial long-term gain for the community and criticized the board for failing to incorporate suggestions made at a previous meeting to strengthen the proposed ordinance. Concerns included potential drops in property values and the impact on the area's desirability. Supervisors, however, warned that not passing the amendment could leave the township vulnerable to undesirable data center proposals. They emphasized the need to "close the door tonight" to prevent immediate, unregulated data center development. Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors passed the zoning amendment and committed to scheduling immediate meetings with residents to begin revising it.