Residents cheer as Plains Twp. scraps data center overlay plan
The Plains Township Board of Commissioners rejected a proposed technology and energy overlay district that would have allowed data centers on land currently designated for conservation. The board plans to draft a revised ordinance allowing data centers only as conditional uses in the existing Industrial Zone, with a future public hearing on the proposal and facility regulations.
The Plains Township Board of Commissioners voted against creating a technology and energy overlay district for data centers, including on conservation-designated land near the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The decision followed several meetings and strong opposition from local residents and neighboring communities, with more than 100 people applauding the vote at a meeting held at Wilkes-Barre Area High School.
The board said the proposed ordinance did not adequately protect residents' health, safety and welfare. It will instead prepare and advertise a revised amendment allowing data centers only by conditional use within the existing Industrial Zone. A future public hearing will address the revised zoning language and regulations for the facilities. Commissioner Thomas Shubilla said he will abstain from future votes because of his employment with the state of Pennsylvania.