Franklin Park advances draft overlay to channel data‑center siting into conditional‑use process

Franklin Park planning staff presented a draft overlay ordinance aimed at regulating data‑center development and guiding where such facilities could be sited in the borough.

"We think that it protects the Franklin Park residents," said planning staff (Speaker 6), describing the draft as a way to require conditional‑use review, buffering, and design standards while avoiding an outright prohibition that could be vulnerable to legal challenge.

Staff described using portions of the existing Oil & Gas Overlay, applying requirements in industrial (M3/M4) zones, and keeping the overlay map as narrow as possible so the ordinance does not unnecessarily eliminate future housing or other uses. The draft would require applicants to demonstrate infrastructure availability — especially power and water — and to meet aesthetics and buffering standards before receiving conditional‑use approval.

Council members raised tax and valuation questions: how a high‑power, capital‑intensive use like a data center would be assessed for property tax purposes (cost, sales comparables, or an income approach) and whether tax‑assessment changes could produce unintended consequences for school and borough revenues. Staff also noted county economic‑development review and planning‑commission referral would be part of the review timeline.

Why it matters: data centers are power‑ and water‑intensive uses that can alter land‑use patterns, tax assessments, and local infrastructure demand. The draft overlay is intended to give the borough regulatory tools to require mitigation and public‑benefit conditions while leaving a path for projects that meet standards.

Next steps: staff suggested time for council members to review the draft and the mapping, circulate to county economic development for comment, and present the ordinance to the planning commission before scheduling a public hearing.