Londonderry supervisors table proposed data‑center zoning overlay

Londonderry Township supervisors on Aug. 4 continued a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chapter 27 of the township zoning code that would add regulations for data centers and create a Data Center Overlay District (Ordinance 2025‑02), then voted to table adoption indefinitely.

Township Solicitor James Diamond opened the hearing “to continue the July 7, 2025 public hearing of the proposed amendment to Chapter 27,” noting a stenographic record of the hearing. Manager David Blechertas presented the ordinance language and the proposed map change before the Board took action at the regular meeting.

Why it matters: The ordinance would establish a specific overlay for data‑center development and add regulatory language to the zoning code. Supporters and critics asked questions during public comment about local impacts and related energy agreements. During the meeting, Supervisor Bart Shellenhamer moved to table the ordinance indefinitely; Supervisor Mike Geyer seconded. Supervisor Scott Merchlinski abstained; the motion carried (recorded as 3‑0).

Residents used the public‑comment period to raise related concerns. One resident asked about Crane Clean Energy’s tax status and whether Crane would supply power directly to data centers. Shellenhamer said the current agreement runs through 2026 and that Crane supplies power to Microsoft in Ohio, not directly to a local data‑center customer; Solicitor Diamond said power would be supplied through the grid. Chair Ron Kopp said the projected timeline for development activity was 2027.

Next steps: With adoption tabled indefinitely, the manager said a Board of Supervisors work session on data centers is likely this month to continue discussion. The hearing record and public comments were attached to the minutes.