N. Londonderry officials receive draft copy of proposed data center ordinance
North Londonderry Township's Planning Commission is in the early stages of drafting a data center zoning ordinance. The proposed regulations, currently a first draft, will apply to industrial districts and are part of a proactive effort to prepare for potential data center development in the municipality. The process is expected to take several months, involving public input and revisions before being considered by township supervisors.
The North Londonderry Township Planning Commission, along with assistant township manager Kristopher D. Troup and township solicitor Andrew Morrow, has introduced the first draft of a proposed data center ordinance. This marks the beginning of a months-long process to establish regulations governing data centers within the municipality. The initiative is proactive, aimed at preparing the township for potential future data center developments rather than reacting to an existing proposal.
The draft ordinance currently restricts data centers to I1 industrial districts, specifically identifying two zones: one near a former quarry along U.S. Route 422 and another encompassing properties associated with Milton Hershey School and Palmyra Recreation. The proposed regulations would require a minimum of 10 acres for data center construction. Township officials, including board chairman William Buckfelder, expressed opposition to any rezoning of non-industrial land to accommodate data centers, emphasizing a desire to maintain the township's established zoning.
The planning commission emphasizes that this is a working document, subject to numerous revisions and public input before a final draft is recommended to the board of supervisors. The goal is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the general public while also being prepared for the possibility of data center development. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming planning commission meetings to voice their opinions.