Northampton council discusses drafting ordinance to regulate data centers, members raise 6G and senior-center concerns

Council members and staff discussed a proposed borough ordinance intended to regulate data centers and data-center uses within local zoning.

A staff member advising council said: "I have drafted that ordinance and sent it to Bridal," and outlined the required process: review by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), a public hearing and then a council vote. Staff recommended moving the data-center ordinance forward separately from the regional River Central adoption because of timing differences.

Councilmember Bonnie Almond said her research shows the borough is not suitable to host large data centers and urged steps to protect current and future residents from potential impacts including high electricity and water demand and continuous noise. "I realized today our borough is not suitable to house the data center," Almond said, adding that residents deserve protections "for future generations" and that she would like outside groups engaged to help the effort.

Almond and other members also asked staff to check whether existing zoning language for wireless telecommunications (section 250-30) needs updating to address next-generation (6G) transmitters and lattice towers that some speakers said are expected by 2030.

Staff said the ordinance will include procedures and standards for data-center uses and that the LVPC and public hearing process will provide opportunities for intermunicipal coordination. No formal ordinance was introduced or adopted at the meeting; staff said they would continue drafting and bring the proposal back to council for review and required public process.

Council also discussed concern about an at-risk senior center (Grace UCC) and asked staff to explore ways to help preserve that service.