Harborcreek Township is joining a growing number of Erie County municipalities in placing new restrictions on future data center development.
During a township meeting June 17, officials approved ordinances that significantly limit where data centers can be built within the township. Under the new regulations, data centers will only be permitted within the Public University District, an area located in and around the campus of Penn State Behrend.
The ordinances also establish limits on the amount of water and electrical power that data centers can consume. In addition, developers seeking to build such facilities would be required to post a financial bond for the property.
Township leaders said the measures are intended to address concerns raised by residents about the potential impacts large-scale data centers can have on local infrastructure and resources.
Harborcreek joins other Erie County communities that have recently considered or adopted regulations related to data center development. Residents have voiced concerns about increased energy demand, water usage, and potential noise generated by the facilities.
The new ordinances are part of an ongoing effort by local governments to balance economic development opportunities with the long-term impacts data centers may have on surrounding neighborhoods and public resources.