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Residents press county about data centers' power and water use; officials point to township zoning and DRBC oversight
Summary
During public comment residents reported winter electric bills over $600 and asked how to learn about proposed data centers and whether petitions could block them. County staff said land-use decisions are made at the township level and the Delaware River Basin Commission governs major water withdrawals; the county solicitor said petitions may demonstrate opposition but compliance with local ordinances governs outcomes.
At the Monroe County commissioners meeting, two members of the public raised concerns about proposed data centers and the local process for raising objections.
An elderly resident said winter electric bills spiked “over $600” and asked where to find information about proposed data centers and who makes land‑use decisions. County planning staff replied that land‑use decisions are handled by individual townships and that the county planning commission provides review and support when requested. Staff further noted that the Delaware River Basin Commission regulates water withdrawals in the watershed, which is another agency involved in large water‑use proposals.
Perry Gregory asked whether a citizens’ petition could stop a data center. The county solicitor, identified in the record as Learned Attorney Huffman, said residents may circulate petitions to demonstrate opposition but whether signatures affect a project depends on the municipality’s ordinances and elected officials. "You can do a petition to show your disinterest or opposition to something but whether or not it complies with the ordinance that's in effect in the municipality is an issue for the elected officials within that municipality," he said.
The exchange clarified where residents should raise zoning concerns (local township boards), and highlighted that other agencies (such as the DRBC) may have authority over water use. The transcript did not record any binding county directive to stop or alter a proposed data center; commissioners and staff described available review points and regulatory authorities.
Next steps: residents seeking information on specific proposals should contact the township where a project would be sited, and may request assistance from the county planning department to locate submitted plans and comment periods.
