Residents urge notice and raise concerns about data center and STR enforcement at Penn Forest meeting

Several residents used the non-agenda public-comment period at the April 6 Penn Forest Township Board of Supervisors meeting to press the board on short-term rental enforcement and to request formal notice and standing related to a proposed data center.

Eileen Rugh of Towamensing Trails questioned why the township had chosen to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) and asked how property-management rules and marketing monitoring are enforced. Jim Mannix, also of Towamensing Trails, asked about the enforcement process for STR violations.

Tara Sommerfield, identified in the minutes as living at 144 Bear Creek Drive, formally requested standing and notice regarding the proposed data center and provided a presentation packet of technical and health information to the board for consideration. The minutes record a correspondence item listing a petition from "Penn Forest Township Residents Against Data Center." The board did not record any formal action on the data center petition during the meeting.

Jonathan Shupp, surveyor, addressed technical points related to a lot joinder and minor subdivision for the Getz property, including reference to SALDO easement and HOP requirements. John Reinbold, chief financial officer for Lehighton Ambulance, submitted a letter asking the township to support or sponsor an LSA grant application to replace analog radios with digital equipment.

The public-comment period raised enforcement and procedural questions rather than producing board decisions; residents requesting standing or notice should expect follow-up through township channels unless the board records a separate action.