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West Chester planning commission backs data‑center ordinance despite debate over brownfield reuse and enforcement
Summary
After extended debate about remediation, deed restrictions and enforcement capacity, the commission voted to recommend that Borough Council adopt an ordinance allowing data centers and data‑center campuses in the industrial district, while requesting further legal and remediation review before Council action.
The West Chester Borough Planning Commission on May 11 recommended that Borough Council adopt a draft ordinance to permit data centers and data-center campuses in the borough’s industrial district, after an extended debate about land use, remediation costs and enforceability.
Staff introduced the ordinance as a proactive measure following large-scale data-center approvals in neighboring townships and said the draft aimed to set clear standards for power, water, noise and site controls. Commissioners expressed mixed views during a prolonged discussion about whether allowing such uses serves the borough’s long-term interests and how existing deed restrictions on large parcels — notably the Wyatt property — affect options for future reuse.
Members raised two recurring concerns: first, that some industrial parcels contain legacy contamination or deed restrictions that could make residential reuse cost-prohibitive; and second, that the borough may lack staffing and funding to enforce complex operational limits if a data center locates in town. One commissioner said the overlay approach (allowing residential as an option elsewhere) should be explored to encourage alternatives to heavy industrial uses, while others argued it is preferable to have clear local standards even if those standards make some projects less attractive.
Despite those concerns, a motion to recommend adoption of the ordinance was moved and seconded and recorded in the meeting minutes as supported by multiple commissioners. The recommendation includes an expectation that borough staff and consultants will supply the council with the deed‑restriction language, remediation-cost context and enforcement implications prior to Council review.
Next steps: The commission will forward its recommendation to Borough Council and requested that legal counsel and environmental/remediation staff (or outside consultants) provide a briefing on deed restrictions and remediation feasibility before Council takes final action.
