Lackawanna County judge voids Clifton Twp.'s data center zoning, as residents provide feedback for updated legislation
A Lackawanna County judge voided Clifton Township's previous data center zoning ordinance following a challenge by developer 1778 Rich Pike LLC. Clifton Township supervisors are now holding public meetings to gather resident feedback for a new, updated zoning ordinance. Residents are advocating for stricter woodland buffer requirements and other protections against health and property value impacts.
A Lackawanna County judge recently voided Clifton Township's existing data center zoning ordinance, ruling it never legally became law. This decision came after developer 1778 Rich Pike LLC, which plans an 11-building data center campus in Clifton and Covington townships, challenged the original zoning. The developer, along with Gouldsboro Land LLC, has acquired over 450 acres across several properties for the proposed project.
In response to the judicial ruling and ongoing community concerns, Clifton Township supervisors are actively working to update their zoning ordinance to better regulate the data center industry. They held a public hearing where residents provided feedback, primarily advocating for stricter woodland buffer requirements than the proposed 100 feet, with suggestions ranging from 500 feet to half a mile.
Residents expressed significant concerns about the potential impact of data centers on local health and home values, emphasizing their role as taxpayers and community members. Township solicitor Geoffrey Worthington clarified that while the previous ordinance is void, the proposed new ordinance is considered "pending," meaning any future zoning application would be subject to its final form. The supervisors voted to continue the hearing on September 17 to further incorporate community input.