Zoning ordinance update discussed at March 10 planning commission meeting

The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission met on March 10 to discuss and conditionally recommend updates to its zoning ordinance, specifically concerning data centers. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former township solicitor David Brooman. Township Planner Nathan Jones presented proposed changes, incorporating previous input and legal considerations. Key discussions revolved around limiting water and electricity usage by data centers and encouraging them to utilize or generate renewable energy. The commission also considered requiring annual, third-party sound decibel reports from data centers. Following the discussion, a motion to conditionally recommend the Data Center Ordinance for approval passed with a 5-0 vote. The meeting also covered other administrative zoning changes for better enforcement and a review of the township's parking table. Future steps include the ordinance potentially going before the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners.