Dorrance Twp. Zoning Hearing Board finds ordinance did not exclude data centers

The Dorrance Township Zoning Hearing Board unanimously denied a substantive validity challenge from Brewster Land Company LLC on Wednesday, finding that the township's zoning ordinance does not unlawfully exclude data center usage. The decision, which received applause from nearly 100 residents at the Dorrance Township Fire Hall, was made following a hearing that considered evidence and expert testimony. Board member Dale Buchanan initiated the motion to deny the claim, stating the ordinance reasonably accommodates data center facilities. Matthew McHugh, attorney for Brewster Land Company, stated the board's decision was "not unexpected" but affirmed the company's belief in the merit of their case. He indicated that they anticipate continuing their appeal. The company had sought site-specific relief to develop a data center on a parcel of land it owns on South Main Road, located within the B-2 Highway Business District. The validity challenge stemmed from the company's argument that the ordinance, prior to a September 22, 2025 amendment, did not "reasonably accommodate data center facilities." The amendment now explicitly allows data centers only in industrial zones. No formal application for a data center project has been submitted by Brewster Land Company at this time.