Bear Creek Twp. supervisors won’t expand zoning by 700% for data centers
Bear Creek Township supervisors have indicated they will vote against a significant 700% expansion of industrial zoning for data centers after strong public opposition. However, they will consider two smaller zoning expansion options in a future hearing. Residents remain opposed to any expansion and anticipate potential legal action.
The Bear Creek Township Supervisors announced that they would not proceed with a significant 700% expansion of the industrial zoning district, which would have increased it from 65 acres to 534 acres to facilitate data center development. This decision followed a public hearing where 35 residents, including members of the grassroots group Bear Creek Protectors, voiced strong opposition to Ordinance 1 of 2026, which proposed the expansion and set rules for data centers.
However, the supervisors plan to consider two alternative ordinances that would still expand the industrial zone to approximately 250 acres. These alternatives will be subject to another public hearing on September 30. Brian Blight, president of Bear Creek Protectors, acknowledged the supervisors' initial concession but stated that the group's objective remains no expansion of the industrial zone whatsoever. Blight indicated that a legal challenge is likely, regardless of the supervisors' final decision, and asserted that his group is prepared and well-funded for such a fight.