Cheltenham adopts new comprehensive plan after public hearing focused on trees and data‑center zoning

The Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners voted July 15 to adopt the township’s comprehensive plan pursuant to Article 3, Section 302 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code after a public hearing and entry of 20 exhibits into the record.

Mister D’Azzio read the exhibit list for the record, which included the comprehensive plan itself, the adoption resolution, legal notices, proof of publication in The Times Herald (06/27/2026 and 07/04/2026), planning commission and county review letters, and public comments submitted by residents. The public hearing was opened for comment and the board solicited input from both in‑hall attendees and Zoom participants.

Residents who spoke urged the board to strengthen the plan’s tree‑canopy protections and to be explicit about how zoning will address data‑center development. Jeffrey Cloud, speaking for the Shade Tree Advisory Commission, highlighted the plan’s language on preserving the tree canopy and urged the board to update tree protection provisions, enforce meaningful replacement requirements and create a tree canopy support fund paid through fees‑in‑lieu and grants. Randy Libros and Ed Jones raised concerns about data centers, asking that zoning rules clarify allowable locations, setbacks, noise controls and environmental protections.

After taking comments the board closed the hearing and moved to adopt the comprehensive plan. The motion to adopt was made and the board approved the resolution by voice vote.

The board recorded the hearing and exhibits in the meeting record; staff told residents the comprehensive plan document and associated materials are posted online at cheltonhampa.gov/comprehensiveplan for review. No ordinance or numeric zoning change was adopted at this meeting; the comprehensive plan provides policy direction and may guide future zoning or code amendments.