Rep. Ryncavage: Newport Twp. residents may have 'legal avenue' to challenge data center ordinance
State Rep. Alec Ryncavage said Newport Township residents may be able to legally challenge an ordinance adopted without clear public notice that allows data centers by right. The township has issued permits for a proposed 15-data-center campus, prompting strong resident opposition and possible litigation over the ordinance’s validity.
State Rep. Alec Ryncavage said Newport Township residents could have a legal avenue to challenge the township’s April zoning ordinance, which permits data centers by right across broad areas without requiring a public zoning hearing. He questioned whether the township’s notice adequately informed residents that the zoning law was being changed to authorize data center development. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has previously allowed challenges beyond the usual 30-day window when inadequate notice prevented residents from participating.
Newport Township issued zoning permits in August for a proposed 15-data-center campus on 1,386 acres near Glen Lyon and Lee, though residents said they did not learn about the permits until September. Hundreds attended a public meeting to oppose the project. Fit Energy Group is identified as the developer, backed by Fit Ventures, with FuelCell Energy expected to provide natural-gas fuel-cell power. Township officials maintain the ordinance was properly advertised and that permits were issued because data centers are a permitted use in the area.