[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6480528,"mediaKeyId","5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336","parentId",5680864,"title","Votes at a glance: Lancaster City Council approves zoning drafting direction, workers' comp transfers and two historic-district projects","audioSeconds",3310,"startMs",692000,"endMs",4002000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336&start=692&end=4002","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336/thumbnail_692000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6480528/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Lancaster-City-Council-approves-zoning-drafting-direction-workers-comp-transfers-and-two-historic-district-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480528-1daae7ef309bc443ad554b801eff1ee8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770663659&Signature=OgToEuAuiw8cn0Y1Av6mDpLj2l-xH5Va3pTOa1R7JNg~RtVXD2aFAsExoXYa0UIShnMTC~wNE8n3BiLE4eIG0TsJUFSdprN0lsDETFiHEOQk0SQBR-tPk-YCMKQkoS0oCcelmbLtMhOP5vy4ZEjqkmyhMwVqvHtqgJOzmEGjFs~IxFP0r4Tv~km20K2nfwzu3FdEupWP9-r5C2-OJ2vTGCvt59MrtzyiP8zYfkXjvwxnfAxKc2p6fuGtdXVMb0ppXaqWMRscMMkXyp-S~P7dL7ElVNyxu97mMMxOObmQPm7U1XQlpvU~L2zL61AoQcDDI-ln1Ez9odvVM8tetrQgRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lancaster, PA","date","2025-08-27T11:54:28Z","article","Lancaster City Council took several recorded votes Aug. 26. The actions were procedural or preparatory rather than final policy adoptions in most cases; full descriptions and next steps follow.

Council actions and outcomes

- Direction to draft data-center zoning ordinance: Council President Baker moved that the solicitor and Planning Bureau draft a zoning ordinance amendment to address data centers; council approved the direction (motion carried; tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0). The action directs staff to prepare ordinance language and send it to the City Planning Commission for review; an October committee presentation was requested.

- Second-quarter workers' compensation transfers: Council approved transfers totaling $37,656.78 to move workers' compensation funding into Administrative Services to pay claims for police and public works injuries. The motion passed unanimously (tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0).

- Historic Conservation District approvals: Council voted to approve two applications recommended by the Historical Commission: (A) construction of an uncovered stoop at 550 Hand Avenue and (B) construction of a one-story frame mudroom addition at 39 North Plum Street. Both items were approved as recommended (motion carried; tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0).

- Approval of minutes: Council approved minutes from the Aug. 12, 2025 regular meeting (motion carried; tally: yes 5, no 0, abstain 0).

Process notes: These votes were routine approvals or directions to staff and did not adopt final ordinances or rezone property. The workers' comp transfers required council approval because the funds move between departmental budgets. The data-center motion is a referral/direction to staff for ordinance drafting and Planning Commission review; it does not adopt a zoning change by itself.

Where to find records: The administration said drafts and additional documentation will be shared in upcoming committee meetings and posted on the city's Engage Lancaster and city websites as items progress.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - August 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","On Aug. 26 Lancaster City Council approved several procedural and routine items: direction to draft a data-center zoning ordinance, second-quarter workers' compensation budget transfers totaling $37,656.78, approval of two Historic Conservation District applications, and minutes approval from the Aug. 12 meeting.","taxTitle","Lancaster City, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania","taxId",3754,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480533,"City presents five-year capital improvement plan totaling about $301 million; council sets ordinance reading for Sept. 9",901,2901000,3802000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336&start=2901&end=3802","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336/thumbnail_2901000.jpg","/articles/6480533/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/City-presents-five-year-capital-improvement-plan-totaling-about-301-million-council-sets-ordinance-reading-for-Sept-9","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480533-0fcdca0b828d24cbe9fcd526d9912119/orig.mp4?Expires=1770663659&Signature=SvbTWrmcOD3akxEvIBhM4-dVuNBaRT2qb52DDJ16DFZsyXYLhvHaKBGC9LhGtQY~lksnTaOJQ4Y-HWv-x1Ei-B74qJKfcvbvTe7AH5rv95tf6zV6p83SAEGtKtyu1MT5dOoifTWEyoTXWLozIv2bA~RD5M5lQwgrDgD8XfTnrVa0-Xxqg2lc1AQxCI9Oab1awGmHLjySy0aJyO0MB3yGIsTV2WCxTEC09FwaT6m~nce4THFBl~X~tXu0MB4WxKo3aj-7Y78R4UIFi3UB0Iy9eDPUTNGZl59bneB22POH~ibYQecOqs7iXvbPjJF99StNjCx-4yxqNflXq3yd7~tQjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Tina Campbell presented Lancaster's five-year capital improvement plan on Aug. 26, outlining proposed projects from 2026 through 2030 that the administration said are necessary to maintain city infrastructure.

\"This 5 year plan includes 144 projects within these funds for a total of approximately $301,400,000,\" Director Tina Campbell said, noting the plan covers the general fund, stormwater, water and sewer enterprise funds.

The administration told council the largest share of costs is in the water and sewer funds — roughly two-thirds of the plan — because those utilities rely on major infrastructure. The presentation broke projects into six categories, with parks, public works administration and streets comprising the general fund projects, and water and sewer work in the enterprise funds.

Funding and reporting: The administration identified about $50.6–$51.7 million in committed bond funding and noted that roughly 53% of the plan would need future debt financing, likely through PennVEST loan programs or bond issues. Officials said the plan includes committed grant awards where applicable and a category for \"unfunded\" items that will be pursued for grants or debt as the timeline advances.

The administration also committed to quarterly reports beginning in 2026 that will update council on project status, annual operating costs for newly completed facilities, and amortization costs as additional debt is incurred.

Arts and project detail: During the hearing a comment about an arts element in the Water Street infrastructure project was addressed. Director Steve Campbell said the arts component would be modest and estimated the total cost for sculptural and related elements at roughly $12,000 to $40,000, far smaller than the large public art project cited by the commenter.

Process and next steps: City staff told council that an ordinance for first reading to adopt the capital budget will be presented at the Sept. 9 regular meeting. The administration emphasized that more precise funding estimates and sources will be provided as projects approach their start dates and that the capital plan will evolve.

The presentation and the public hearing fulfill requirements in the city's Home Rule Charter for annual capital planning and transparent review with council.","City administration delivered a public hearing on a five-year Capital Improvement Plan covering 144 projects and roughly $301.4 million, with water and sewer projects making up the largest share. Council was told about committed funding, unfunded needs, and plans for quarterly reporting beginning in 2026.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6480537,"Lancaster council directs staff to draft zoning rules for data centers after months of public concern",4219,737000,4956000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336&start=737&end=4956","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5680864-93f1f2e61de791cd53f9326098dbb336/thumbnail_737000.jpg","/articles/6480537/Lancaster-City/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Lancaster-council-directs-staff-to-draft-zoning-rules-for-data-centers-after-months-of-public-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6480537-854979292caf8419f784bbd746c5394a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770663659&Signature=gZJg0fqBMCYgFNvUyJPZywyzPthZSCs7qI1D6z~bfO7CQ8Ea29b1i9ZLZd718bwlrzle6MscFhD2Ymw28PiVPR-9lHPTuTlbcI-eSTvn07AbecpefnhMO79k~-KYZddXau8ciHQYWJKu~9vLETnM00ntVoVmf7carIbDWQxUGCLEaKpqIzjxs3bUJQFRMBE2R3gZdt7t5LgsnvAttAeGoKb0gN71Mkt0eybEav~EibyVLu3C4qWhUuqHn2oG-sq7Om4gAtqk0EsTwN-FwI1lMxAwjSThPQIeKe5aQqGytWe-1mqDB1Bej8h-THX6JFHKZzC3FSenUbs2xlLZAIoCuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council President Baker on Aug. 26 asked Lancaster City Council to direct the city solicitor and the Planning Bureau to draft a zoning ordinance amendment to address the land use of data centers, and council voted to approve the request for preparation and review.

\"I would like to make a motion that council direct the solicitor and the Planning Bureau to draft a zoning ordinance amendment in accordance with applicable law to legislatively address the land use of data centers to protect the impacts on the community for presentation at the October Committee meeting,\" Council President Baker said.

The motion, presented as part of the president's report, directs staff to prepare proposed language and requests that the City Planning Commission review the draft and provide recommendations before council considers any readings. Council unanimously approved the direction to staff.

Why it matters: residents and business owners filled the council chamber to press for clearer, enforceable limits on proposed data centers near Lancaster. Speakers raised environmental, health and economic concerns — including potential water and electricity consumption, noise, air emissions, and impacts on electricity rates and long-term grid reliability — and sought reassurance that new rules would reach existing projects where legally possible.

Public comments were focused and sustained. Frank Arcolio, who said he lives on Old Trinity Place, told council that if the ordinance does not apply to projects that already have city approval it would \"give me the feeling that you are willing we are are willing to close the barn door long after the horses have escaped.\" Other speakers urged rapid action and greater transparency from city and state regulators.

Council President Baker also relayed recent administration updates about one developer, identified by the city as Carissa Technology Parks. According to the president's report, the city is arranging a second, independent review of the developer's noise study and will interview an environmental consulting firm to help the city understand how the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will regulate air emissions and the permits that are in DEP's jurisdiction. Baker said, \"Carissa has expressed willingness just this week to codify this in a legally binding community benefits agreement.\" The president also said the administration has learned Carissa will not use a cooling system that \"relies on huge volumes of water.\"

Baker noted the city lacks authority over utility permitting and that the city is relying on information provided by PPL regarding grid impacts and electricity rates. She also said an appeal filed by a member of the public to the Zoning Hearing Board has been scheduled for Sept. 22.

Residents and small-business owners told council they want the city to press state regulators and legislators as well. At the meeting Councilor Arroyo urged constituents to pursue state-level remedies and referenced pending state legislation intended to ensure data centers bear the direct cost of their energy consumption instead of shifting those costs to residential ratepayers.

What the action is: The council's vote directs staff to draft a zoning amendment and submit it for Planning Commission review and public hearings; it does not adopt a final ordinance. Council President Baker said the draft will be taken up in committee in October and will follow the formal readings and public hearing process required under the municipality's planning code.

Next steps and public input: Councilors and speakers repeatedly said there will be multiple public input opportunities, including Planning Commission meetings and the ordinance reading/hearing schedule. Multiple residents asked the city to make independent study results publicly available and to coordinate with state regulators such as the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The council’s motion is a direction to staff to begin drafting and processing an ordinance, not a final legislative action. The timetable set by council calls for review at an October committee meeting and subsequent ordinance readings and public hearings as required by the city's planning procedures.","Lancaster City Council voted to direct the solicitor and Planning Bureau to draft a zoning ordinance amendment to regulate data centers. The move drew extensive public comment on water use, noise, air emissions and grid impacts and followed updates from the administration about developer commitments and an appeal to the zoning hearing board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Lancaster City Council approves zoning drafting direction, workers' comp transfers and two historic-district projects

City presents five-year capital improvement plan totaling about $301 million; council sets ordinance reading for Sept. 9

Lancaster council directs staff to draft zoning rules for data centers after months of public concern