Back-and-forth continues over proposed Newtown data center ordinance
Newtown Township, PA, is advancing a proposed data center ordinance, which the Planning Commission unanimously recommended despite objections from residents. A local group, Newtown-Edgmont Alliance for Responsible Growth, argues the ordinance is too weak and does not adequately address concerns regarding energy, water, noise, and emergency response. The ordinance will now proceed to the Board of Supervisors for further consideration.
Newtown Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is actively developing a data center ordinance aimed at regulating potential future developments, even though no specific projects are currently proposed. The initiative seeks to proactively address concerns surrounding these controversial facilities, with township officials emphasizing the need for proper zoning to protect residents.
The proposed ordinance has met with significant opposition from a local grassroots organization, the Newtown-Edgmont Alliance for Responsible Growth. Led by resident Alexis Burd, the alliance argues the current draft contains "million holes" and is insufficiently protective compared to more stringent regulations adopted by neighboring municipalities like Chadds Ford. The group is advocating for stronger provisions, including requirements for at least 50% renewable energy, safeguards for backup diesel generators, comprehensive water monitoring, detailed noise standards (including low-frequency sound), light pollution limits, and developer contributions for emergency response training and equipment.
Newtown Township Solicitor Richard Sokorai defended the ordinance, stating it is a necessary protective measure for the community against potential data center developments, not an attempt to attract them. He noted that the ordinance aims to be judicially defensible and has incorporated modest recommendations from the Delaware County Planning Department, such as requiring scaled-back operations during power shortages, additional environmental impact studies, and closed-loop water cooling systems. Sokorai also mentioned the inclusion of standards for decommissioning data centers and limiting generator use.
Despite resident concerns, the Newtown Planning Commission unanimously recommended the proposed ordinance. The measure will undergo further review by Delaware County before being presented to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration, with residents continuing to express worry that the current draft could leave the township vulnerable to developers.