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Council tables proposed data‑center zoning changes after public concern about traffic and siting
Summary
Council members tabled two ordinances to amend Scranton's zoning code related to data centers and scheduled further public input; residents raised concerns about truck access, emergency‑vehicle circulation and timing of projects.
The Scranton City Council placed two proposed ordinances to amend the city's zoning code for data centers on hold at the April 28 meeting to allow a later public hearing and further input.
Several residents who spoke during public comment flagged traffic and safety concerns tied to local construction projects and heavier truck traffic. Les Spindler raised a specific safety concern about a Dorothy Street project, saying, "There's no way trucks are gonna make the turn," and warned that the work might prevent emergency vehicles from navigating the route. Tom Coyne urged the council to put some basic restrictions on the books—such as making data centers allowable only by special exception—so the city can evaluate impacts before projects are sited.
The chair announced that the data‑center ordinances (filed to council as items 8a and 8b) would be tabled until public hearings could be held. Council members and speakers said the pause was intended to gather more information and ensure traffic, utility and neighborhood impacts are evaluated before any zoning changes are adopted.
No final zoning decision was made at the meeting; city planning staff were asked to prepare materials for a forthcoming public hearing.
