Dorrance Twp. board rejects data center zoning challenge

The Dorrance Township zoning hearing board unanimously rejected a "substantive validity challenge" filed by Brewster Land Company, LLC, regarding the township's zoning ordinance. The company, represented by attorney Matthew McHugh, had argued that the ordinance, prior to a September 22, 2025 amendment, unlawfully excluded data center uses under Pennsylvania law. Zoning board member Dale Buchanan stated that the board, after reviewing evidence and testimony over two nights, found the ordinance does not unlawfully exclude data centers. This decision was met with applause from about 100 residents present at the hearing. Brewster Land Company seeks to construct a data center with six buildings on a 155-acre parcel zoned B-2 commercial in Dorrance Township, located at South Main and Yeager Roads. The company has not yet submitted a direct application for the data center, focusing instead on this challenge. Attorney McHugh indicated that his client plans to appeal the board's decision, calling it the "first step in a long process." Meanwhile, township supervisors have scheduled a public hearing for May 27 to gather comments on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance pertaining to data centers, accessory structures, and power substations, with a special meeting to follow for potential adoption of the amended ordinance.