EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council approved a resolution against data centers Wednesday night at city hall.

The legislation states the city “finds that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Easton to formally oppose the design and construction of data centers within the city limits.”

As a result, the legislation notes that City Council is opposed to the construction, development or expansion of data centers within Easton. The bill further encourages all board and commissions that have project approval power to follow the resolution.

In offering rationale for the bill, the legislation cites City Council is “charged with enacting policies and ordinance protecting the health, safety and quality of life of the city and its residents pursuant to the city charter.”

The resolution adds that data center development “may have significant impacts on municipal infrastructure, including electrical demand, water consumption, wastewater capacity, drainage stems, transportation networks…and long-term economic development planning.”

Trail connection

City Council approved a deal to improve pedestrian and trail connectivity in the vicinity of the Easton Iron & Metal property and Bushkill Drive.

The deal, with Wolverine Constructors Inc., involves the construction of a new trail connecting the Easton Iron & Metal property eastward along the south side of Bushkill Drive with the Lafayette College sidewalk on the north side of Bushkill.

Ultimately, the connection will provide access to the trail located on the opposite of the automobile dealership and continue to the blue pedestrian bridge leading to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail.

The city received seven total bids for the project, with Wolverine being the lowest at $255,058.56.

Wood Avenue warehouse update

Solicitor Michael Vargo told City Council the solicitor’s office has agreed to engage in non-binding mediation with a court-appointed mediator involving a proposed warehouse to be located at 1525 Wood Ave.

There are currently four legal challenges by the plaintiffs — Easton Wood Ave Propco LLC and the Borough of Wilson — involving the plan, which was rejected. The developer is proposing a 1-million-square-foot warehouse at the site.

The mediation is occurring due to a request made by the presiding judge of all four cases, Vargo said. Any case resolution would require City Council approval.