The West Rockhill Township Planning Commission is requesting a series of changes to a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating data centers.
The ordinance, nearly identical to one under consideration in East Rockhill Township, includes a definition of data centers and language regulating building structures, accessory uses and equipment. It notably requires centers to be partially powered by solar energy and served by public water and sewer and restricts centers to the township’s industrial district adjacent to Hilltown Township and Telford Borough along State Road.
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors approved the advertisement of the ordinance at its February meeting. While the township has not yet received any formal data center applications, the ordinance will serve as a preemptive measure in advance of future requests, said township officials.
At the board’s Wednesday, March 18, meeting, Planning Commission Chair Chris Derstine informed board members that the ordinance received significant feedback from Commission members and residents at the Commission’s most recent meeting, with many residents raising concerns about noise and air pollution, groundwater depletion and rising electricity costs.
The commission is recommending some amendments to the ordinance, including a closed-loop water system to reduce water usage and discharge, capacity and time limits on water pumping, and more clarity on the 35-foot building height limit. Members also inquired about the township’s authority to mandate solar power.
Derstine requested that the board read the commission meeting minutes for additional information. The board offered few remarks in response to Derstine’s requests.
A public hearing on the data center ordinance is scheduled for April 15 at 7 p.m. If the board chooses to adopt “substantial” amendments to the ordinance, then it will be reevaluated by the Planning Commission and re-advertised, said township solicitor David Keightly.
Public works position
The board approved the advertisement of an open position in its public works department and signed a letter of support for St. Luke’s Grand View Hospital’s congressionally directed spending request to fund an expansion of its maternity ward.
The board also highlighted some upcoming township events at James Memorial Park, including the annual youth fishing derby on April 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, Arbor Day activities on April 25, and Septemberfest on Sept. 27 from noon to 4 p.m.
The next West Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on April 15 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit westrockhilltownship.org.
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