East Union to define data centers in zoning ordinance

SHEPPTON – Township supervisors here are considering amending the zoning ordinance to define data centers.

East Union Township Solicitor Donald Karpowich said updates to the zoning ordinance and map are already being drafted.

“Since that time, it’s been brought up that maybe we should address data centers in our zoning ordinance since that seems to be the hot-button issue these days,” he said. He surmised the update could be made along with the updates underway. “I think we should put data centers in the industrial zone and maybe expand the size of our industrial zone.”

Karpowich said that he’d heard public criticism prior that “our industrial zone’s not big enough.”

He said the two main issues with a center are water usage and noise.

“Other than that, it’s a building full of computers,” he said.

The use needs to be defined in the zoning ordinance to be properly regulated.

“Just like before, we addressed medical marijuana facilities and different uses that weren’t envisioned in the original zoning ordinance,” Supervisors Chairman Kyle Mummey said. “As new uses come about, we don’t have them in the ordinance, so if somebody would come in with a use like that, we’re kind of unprepared.”

Supervisors took no formal action, electing to lump the revision in with the ongoing zoning ordinance updates.

In other business, supervisors voted to move $29,842 from the zoning fund to the liquid fuels fund following an audit issue.

Supervisors also set a date for the East Union Township Haunted Trail. It will be held Oct. 25.

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