South Annville asked to update zoning ordinance for future data center projects
Residents in South Annville Township, Pennsylvania, have requested that supervisors update the township's zoning ordinance to clearly define and regulate data centers. This comes after 1235 Martina Drive Owner LLC withdrew its plans for a data center project in response to significant grassroots opposition. The community seeks to collaborate with supervisors on developing an ordinance that protects public interest and safeguards health and safety.
Residents of South Annville Township, Pennsylvania, are urging local supervisors to update the township’s zoning ordinance to include clear definitions and regulations for data center projects. This call to action follows the recent decision by 1235 Martina Drive Owner LLC to abandon its proposed data center development in the area, a move prompted by strong grassroots opposition from the community.
At a May 13 meeting, South Annville Township Chairman Dale Hoover addressed residents, acknowledging the withdrawal of the data center project request and expressing the board's commitment to the community. Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz, among others, voiced support for the supervisors and emphasized the importance of protecting local wildlife, such as bald eagles, in the area of the former proposed site. Residents like Michael Schroeder thanked the South Annville Township Planning Commission for recommending the denial of the initial project and expressed eagerness to collaborate on a new data center ordinance that aligns with public interest and state law.
The article highlights a contentious atmosphere at previous meetings regarding the data center, with Chairman Hoover noting a perceived lack of respect in discussions. Despite this, community members reiterated their appreciation for the supervisors' and township staff's engagement. The overall sentiment among residents, as described by Commissioner Litz, is one of collective relief following the developer's withdrawal, underscoring the effectiveness of local activism in influencing development decisions.