Dallas Twp. delay on data-center ordinance prompts public alarm
Dallas Township, Pennsylvania, has delayed action on a proposed stronger data center zoning ordinance, sparking public alarm and frustration among residents concerned about potential development under the current, more permissive rules. The delay stems from the Planning Board's concern that the revised ordinance's extensive setback requirements might violate state law. Residents are urging the township to enact a moratorium on data center development while the ordinance is refined.
The Dallas Township Board of Supervisors in Pennsylvania has postponed taking action on a proposed amendment to its data center zoning ordinance, a move that drew public alarm and frustration from approximately 60 residents and activists at a special meeting. The proposed ordinance aims to strengthen the township's regulations, which were criticized as too permissive when first adopted in March.
The delay follows concerns raised by the township Planning Board on June 9. The board indicated that a revised version of the ordinance included a minimum setback distance for data center developments so expansive that it could effectively make such development impossible in the township. This, the board noted, would likely violate the state's Municipalities Planning Code, which mandates that municipalities must allow for all legal land uses somewhere within their borders.
Residents, including Jennifer Franza, who has collaborated with township officials on the ordinance, expressed dismay at the last-minute nature of the issue. Junell Guarneri voiced fears that any delay would leave residents unprotected against potential data center applications under the existing ordinance. Several residents have urged the township to enact a local moratorium on data center development; however, Township Solicitor Tom Mosca stated that general moratoriums are not permitted under state law. Fern Leard, a Democratic nominee for state House district 120, criticized the board for not adopting a curative amendment to introduce a finite 180-day moratorium, accusing them of "insider politics."
Nate Eachus, an advocate from Butler Township, recommended that Dallas Township supervisors use the additional time to review environmental concerns raised at meetings regarding other proposed data center projects in the Wyoming Valley, such as in Hazle and Salem townships. Residents continue to press the board to adopt a stronger ordinance promptly, questioning who benefits from the delay and who is truly running the town.