DALLAS, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Tensions ran high as the Dallas Township Board of Supervisors faced feedback during a public hearing and special meeting Wednesday night regarding its proposed zoning amendment for data centers.
Although Dallas Township has yet to receive applications for data centers, the public demanded tabling the zoning amendment.
Residents voiced their concerns about potential data center development in the community.
“It’s not a question of us saying, we don’t want technology, we don’t want development. But at what cost to us? What happens when our property values go down? People want to live in the Back Mountain; this is a desirable area. I don’t know if it’s going to be that way if this starts to happen,” said Junell Guarneri.
“As someone that has built communities, as someone who has impacted places all over the county, and all over the world, there is not a financial gain in the long run for this community with data centers,” said David Wilson.
As the hearing continued, more residents argued that the board failed to act on suggestions to strengthen the proposed zoning amendment.
“Why the solicitor, who I’m assuming is the one making the edits, but maybe it’s council, did not take many of the suggestions that others and I gave at the last meeting regarding the ordinance. If this is truly to protect our township, then why is the ordinance not being beefed up? Especially to the reasonable changes that we avidly researched,” said Hannah Butterwick.
“At that last meeting, you asked for, and you encouraged feedback. I sent two emails that have gone unresponded to,” said Sarah Latona.
By the end of the night, things got heated as residents criticized the amendment as “too weak.” Supervisors warned that failing to pass it could leave the township vulnerable to data center proposals.
“I, for one, do not want to be vulnerable. We have to start somewhere. Let’s get it passed, and then let’s look at it again. Very quickly, very quickly, I’m not saying six months,” said Chairman, Liz Martin.
“We have to close the door tonight. I don’t want to leave this door open, and have a data center coming in tomorrow,” said Supervisor Bill Grant.
The Board of Supervisors adjourned the meeting and passed the zoning amendment.
Following the meeting, the board spoke directly with residents to schedule meeting times and begin revising the amendment immediately.