Borough of Wellsboro amends Data Center Zoning Ordinance
The Borough of Wellsboro council unanimously passed an amendment to its data center zoning ordinance, strengthening regulations on noise, light, and water usage. The new rules require data centers to be built only in commercial manufacturing districts and adhere to strict operating guidelines. While many community members found the regulations positive, some residents expressed frustration over poor public advertisement of the meeting.
The council of the Borough of Wellsboro held a public hearing to amend its data center zoning ordinance, seeking to establish stricter definitions, standards, and requirements for data centers within Wellsboro. According to Ava Roland of WNY, Wellsboro officials felt their existing ordinance was not stringent enough and aimed to protect the community from potential negative impacts of the industry. Council members unanimously voted to pass an amendment requiring all data centers to comply with borough ordinances regarding noise, light, and water usage, ensuring accountability for environmental impact.
Over 50 community members attended the hearing, with some initially expressing a "hostile attitude" due to perceived poor advertisement of the meeting. While many found the new regulations "terrific," some residents, including one unnamed individual, voiced frustration over the lack of proper public notice, demanding front-page newspaper and radio advertisements for future data center discussions. Despite these concerns, Wellsboro officials believe their updated ordinance provides more robust protections compared to Tyogga County's data center ordinance, restricting data centers to commercial manufacturing districts and mandating adherence to strict operating guidelines.