Perry Co. residents get delay in Watts Township data center ordinance

An overflow crowd of over 125 residents prompted Watts Township supervisors to move their April 1, 2026, meeting outside the Watts-Buffalo Community Center. The vocal majority attended to oppose new zoning ordinances that would permit data center construction in the rural Perry County township. In response to the significant public outcry, the supervisors postponed a full hearing on the proposed zoning changes until May, promising to secure a larger venue. Residents, including Susan Fulmer, expressed profound concerns that data centers would negatively impact property values, increase electricity costs, and create noise, light, and river pollution, threatening their way of life. Josh Gerber, a recent transplant from Lancaster County, echoed sentiments about industrial development driving up costs and altering community character. While the leader of Perry County's Republican Party, Donald McClure, supported the data centers for their economic benefits, he was met with jeers from the audience. Conversely, Kevin Bissonnette, a volunteer fire chief, advocated for the project, citing the crucial tax revenue it would provide for emergency services and its potential to enhance critical infrastructure, electrical capacity, and roadways. Nate Chadsey, a vice president at MRP Industrial and part-owner of the proposed site, highlighted the property's visual buffering and distance from residents, emphasizing job creation and tax base support. Daniel Welliver, a local opposition leader, stated his goal was not to prevent all development but to secure stricter ordinances to protect existing residents.