Hanover Twp. to consider data center overlay district on former coal mining land

Hanover Township is considering an amendment to its zoning ordinance that would establish a 250-acre overlay district for data centers on four parcels of former mining land owned by Earth Conservancy. The site lies between Nanticoke and Warrior Run and is part of the organization’s Nanticoke Creek Watershed Restoration Project.

The township planning commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance, which was drafted by zoning consultant Jack Varaly. Township commissioners are expected to consider the measure following a public hearing on Dec. 9. Officials said no data center project has been submitted, but argued that defining an allowable location would give the township greater control over future development and prevent facilities from being proposed anywhere under existing zoning rules.