Data Centers: Zoning Out
Six months ago, data centers were bringing virtually free tax dollars; we feared Pennsylvania was falling behind, and we couldn’t do enough to attract them. Today, they are a scourge upon humanity wiping out our environment, jacking up our utilities, and ruining the landscape. Gary Hart had a less harsh PR turnaround (for those under the age of 45, enjoy it and ask an elder).
Pocono Township commissioners voted unanimously July 20 to scrap the three-month-old data center overlay covering six parcels near Warner Road and Route 715, replacing it with a rule allowing data centers as a conditional use anywhere in the township's industrial district. It was also the first full meeting for new Commissioner Dan McCreary.
Commissioner Charles Keppler called the swap a clarity play: “This really simplifies and streamlines zoning... where they can expect to potentially see a data center and not see one.” Vice President Commissioner Matt Long called the original ordinance “a great first step” and said he's open to further rules on electricity and water. Residents were less convinced: Gianna Leo Falcon wants environmental studies and a moratorium, Jim Pellegrini drew a line between traditional data centers and “hyperscale” ones, and Mount Pocono's Nellie McKay warned against letting profit dictate policy.
According to the Pocono Record's review, fourteen of the 20 municipalities in Monroe have adopted data center ordinances: Barrett (Dec. 18, 2025), Chestnuthill (Aug. 8, 2025), Coolbaugh (June 17, 2025), Delaware Water Gap (May 4), Jackson (July 28, 2025), Middle Smithfield (Dec. 4, 2025), Mount Pocono (July 7), Pocono Township (April 22, since amended, see above), Polk (Aug. 25, 2025), Ross (May 4), Smithfield (Oct. 22, 2025), Stroud Township (Feb. 3), Tobyhanna (Dec. 15, 2025), and Tunkhannock (Nov. 12, 2025). One, Price Township, has a proposal moving through the curative amendment process. Five have no ordinance in place or planned: East Stroudsburg Borough, Eldred, Hamilton, and Paradise Townships, and Stroudsburg Borough.
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