Scranton council introduces data-center zoning changes, then tables them for public hearing

Council President Shuster opened debate Thursday after the administration placed two zoning amendments related to data centers on the agenda for introduction to committee. Councilmembers said they want firm definitions and review processes in the code before potential projects arrive.

"When we don't have anything on the books, when people come before zoning, there might be a perception that they're allowed," a councilmember said during the introduction. Several members described the move as a proactive step to preserve the city's entrance corridors and to give residents a chance for input.

Public commenters had raised concerns earlier in the meeting about the scale and community impact of large data facilities. One attendee said, "these buildings 5, 10 years, these buildings have been needless, useless, big eyesores," pressing the council to restrict siting and operations.

After discussion, a motion to table the two ordinances until a public hearing was moved and seconded. The council voted in favor and the ordinances were tabled until a later public hearing, preserving the opportunity for more public comment and additional drafting of definitions and operating conditions.

Members stressed that tabling is intended to ensure the city finalizes appropriate definitions, review requirements and emergency-operation provisions and to track pending state legislation that could affect local authority.

The council did not take final action on the ordinances at the meeting; staff and councilmembers indicated further drafting and stakeholder outreach will follow.