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Residents raise data‑center concerns at Monroe County meeting; commissioners point to local land‑use authority
Summary
During public comment, residents said data centers are contributing to rising electric bills and asked where information about proposed facilities can be found; Chairman John D. Christy and Solicitor Deborah L. Huffman clarified that land‑use decisions rest with townships and boroughs and that citizens may draft petitions but must follow municipal ordinances.
A pair of residents used the Monroe County Board of Commissioners’ July 1 public‑comment period to press county leaders about data centers and to seek clarity on where to find proposal information.
Rollie Member raised concerns that data centers are affecting electric bills and asked whether the county was addressing the issue and where information about proposed centers can be obtained. Chairman John D. Christy responded that land‑use decisions are made at the township or borough level and said the Monroe County Planning Commission reviews plans and can provide assistance if municipalities request it. "Land decisions are made at the township or borough level as we are a Commonwealth. The Monroe County Planning Commission does review the plans and makes comments for the township or borough to review," Christy said.
Resident Gregory Apkarian asked whether travel requests approved earlier in the meeting were required and sought clarification on a construction change order and a memorandum of understanding with Guardian Angel Recovery House; Chief Clerk Robert J. Gress and Chairman Christy provided clarifications on those items. Apkarian also asked whether a citizen‑drafted petition opposing a data center would be 'honored.' Solicitor Deborah L. Huffman advised that a citizen may draft a petition but that most municipalities have ordinances that govern data centers and related permitting, so a petition would need to operate within the governing municipality's legal framework.
No board action was taken on data centers at the meeting; commissioners directed citizens to municipal planning offices and the county planning commission for additional information. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
