Lower Mount Bethel Township set to take action on data center regulations
The Lower Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors is expected to take action on a zoning ordinance amendment for data centers, setting standards for their construction regarding electricity, water, air quality, and noise. Additionally, the board will acknowledge a petition from Peron Development, J.G. Petrucci Company Inc., and Talen Energy to rezone 284 acres for a hyperscale data center.
The Lower Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors in rural Northampton County, Pennsylvania, is preparing to act on a zoning ordinance amendment that would establish specific standards for the construction and location of data centers within the township. The proposed amendment would allow data centers as a conditional use in the industrial district, requiring applicants to meet various development and performance criteria related to electricity demand, water and sewer services, air quality, noise, and vibrations.
Separately, the supervisors will officially acknowledge receipt of a petition for a zoning classification change filed by Peron Development, J.G. Petrucci Company Inc., and Talen Energy. These entities are seeking to rezone three parcels, totaling 284 acres near Martins Creek Belvidere Highway and DePues Ferry Road, from an Agricultural Preservation District to an Industrial District for a hyperscale data center project. PPL Electric Utilities also owns one of the parcels involved in the rezoning request.
The board is expected to refer these plans to both the township's planning commission and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) for review. A previous public meeting on the ordinance saw over 200 attendees, providing extensive public comment.