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West Mead planners review guidance on AI data centers; zoning already allows them in LI district
Summary
Commissioners reviewed informational materials on AI data center development; West Mead’s zoning code treats data centers as a permitted use in the LI (Light Industrial) district and staff distributed sample ordinances and state legislative references; no action was required.
At the June 25 meeting, township staff distributed informational materials on AI data center development trends and regulatory approaches.
Recording Secretary Jill Dunlap provided handouts that included a PSATS article titled "Challenges and Solutions for Data Centers," a proposed Crawford County ordinance, several Pennsylvania House bills under consideration and a sample ordinance from Shamokin Township. The minutes state that West Mead’s current Zoning Ordinance already provides for data centers as permitted uses in the LI (Light Industrial) district and that land‑development review would apply because of large building sizes.
Dunlap and Commissioner Don Goldstein (who attended a recent county meeting) were noted as possible sources of additional impressions at a future meeting; the commission did not take any formal action on the materials June 25.
Why it matters: large data centers raise local considerations including land‑use compatibility, infrastructure demands (power, water, roads) and stormwater management; the commission’s early review of model ordinances and state bills is a preparatory step to determine whether local zoning amendments are needed.
