Lower Mount Bethel moves forward with data center ordinance as residents voice frustration
Lower Mount Bethel Township is moving forward with a proposed ordinance to restrict data centers to industrial areas and impose environmental and safety requirements. Residents continue to object, citing transparency issues and concerns about a data center's impact on their livelihoods, as the ordinance heads to a public hearing on August 17th. There are also reports that supervisors signed nondisclosure agreements with Talen Energy, a company seeking to build a data center in the township.
Lower Mount Bethel Township supervisors held their initial meeting to discuss a proposed ordinance aimed at restricting data center development. The ordinance would confine data centers to industrial zones, mandate various safety and environmental plans, and enforce noise compliance. The proposal has been sent to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for review ahead of an August 17th public hearing.
Residents voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about transparency and reported non-disclosure agreements between supervisors and Talen Energy, a company involved in a data center proposal for the township. Former supervisor Jeffrey Keifer emphasized that the issue impacts residents' livelihoods. Supervisors Chairman David Ascani stated that if a data center is inevitable, discussions will focus on necessary mitigation measures.
Vice Chair John Mauser noted the township's urgency in passing the ordinance before new development plans are submitted, acknowledging Pennsylvania's rapid data center growth. The 36-page ordinance also highlights the township's limited infrastructure and water resources, aiming to protect residents' health and welfare. Despite the ongoing process, some residents expressed skepticism about the proposed noise limits and continued to criticize officials for a perceived lack of transparency regarding crucial meetings.