Newtown approves ordinance regulating data centers
Newtown Township approved an ordinance establishing requirements for data centers in its light industrial zoning district, despite no current data center proposals. Residents supported stronger protections and raised concerns about groundwater, noise, vibration, light pollution, migrating birds and backup generators.
Newtown Township supervisors approved an ordinance regulating data centers and setting development standards in the township’s light industrial district. Township officials, including Chair Leonard B. Altieri III, Solicitor Richard Sokorai and Supervisor Cheryl Grosso, said the rules are needed because data centers are a new land use and existing zoning did not address them. Officials noted that limited industrial acreage makes large-scale projects unlikely, but said the ordinance could be amended as guidance evolves.
Residents, including retired geologist DJ Barner and Penn State Master Watershed Steward volunteer Cindy Mehallow, argued that the ordinance does not provide sufficient groundwater protections or detailed study requirements. Others called for stronger controls on noise, vibration, lighting, bird impacts and generator use. Officials defended the ordinance’s water mapping, setback, discharge and monitoring provisions, while acknowledging that future conditional-use proceedings and state regulations could address additional issues.