Dallas Twp. residents pack meeting amid fears of data center development
Residents in Dallas Township, PA, attended a meeting fearing discussion of a data center development, though the agenda was for a lot line adjustment related to a senior housing project. The Planning Commission assured the crowd no data center applications have been filed, but noted the property's industrial zoning allows for future data center establishment.
Residents of Dallas Township, Pennsylvania, packed a recent Planning Commission meeting, expressing fears that a proposed data center development would be discussed, despite the agenda listing a lot line adjustment related to "Lands of Eckman and Fernbrook Solar Farms LP." The confusion stemmed from the property's location in one of the township's few industrial zones, the only area where data centers are permitted under the new zoning ordinance.
Planning Commission Chairman Jack Dodson reassured the concerned residents that no inquiries or applications for a data center had been received. Property owner Charles Ackman, who is involved in the land subdivision request, also addressed the crowd, fielding questions about the potential for a data center in the township. Ackman's request involved carving out three acres from a 20-acre parcel, which had previously received zoning approval for a senior housing development, to add to his residential property to create a 150-foot buffer for his neighbors. The three acres would remain industrially zoned. The commission deferred a decision on Ackman's request, awaiting input from the Department of Environmental Protection on outstanding issues. The original plans for the 20-acre plot were believed to be a solar farm, but evolved into the possible senior housing project.