East Vincent Township shelves proposed data center ordinance after community concerns

EAST VINCENT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- Supervisors in East Vincent Township decided Wednesday night not to move forward with an ordinance that would have set restrictions on a proposed data center project after hearing concerns from residents.

"One of the things we heard during this process is, 'Don't pass the ordinance. Don't do that. Let it go the conditional use or let the board make the decision.' And I think that took place," said Township Manager Robert Zienkowski. "They've listened, and by not acting and putting that ordinance on the shelf, they heard."

The decision came before public comment, which continued despite the board's announcement. Many residents voiced concerns about water use, noise, electricity rates, and the impact on the rural character of the community.

"We need electric at a reasonable cost, and we need water, but we don't necessarily need artificial intelligence," said Maria Markovich.

"What we really want here is a conditional use hearing so that we can air our voices on record and have a fair chance to contest this," added Stephen Hacker, who lives near the proposed site.

With the ordinance shelved, developers can still move forward under existing zoning laws. Supervisors plan to hold a conditional use hearing on the application they have already received.

"The next step for this particular situation is going to be a conditional use hearing. There will be some meetings before that, before the planning commission, but the board will hold a conditional use hearing on the application that it's already received sometime in probably March," Township Solicitor Joe Clement explained.

"For everyone here, [this means] they'll be able to come out and be able to make public comment after the applicant has presented their case. It's basically like a mini trial," Clement said.

The data center is proposed at the old Pennhurst property in Spring City, near a home for veterans, which residents said is another major concern.

They hope the board's decision Wednesday night is a step toward what they view as protecting the community.

"We want to keep our rural community. We do not need to become a giant industrialized data center alley," said Christine McNeil of the group, East Vincent Advocacy.