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Pocono Township limits data centers to industrial zones, board adopts amendment after hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with dozens of residents and technical testimony, the board voted to remove the data center overlay district and permit data centers only in industrially zoned parcels, citing the need to narrow where hyperscale centers might locate.
Pocono Township commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-08, an amendment that removes the township's data center overlay district and allows data centers only in the township's industrial zone. The public hearing attracted extended testimony from residents and technical commentators concerned about water use, noise, generator fuel storage and the prospect of hyperscale facilities; commissioners and staff characterized the ordinance as a first step that clarifies zoning and creates a basis for later rules on buffers, water and other performance standards.
Solicitor/staff presented procedural exhibits for the record, including two advertisement dates (07/02/2026 and 07/09/2026) and a Monroe County Planning Commission review dated 07/06/2026. Residents urged the township to go further; one commenter said, "We need public discussion like this," and another called for scientific studies on water and sound. Commissioners and technical speakers discussed a 300-foot setback requirement in the draft and said applicants must still meet sound limits at property lines and state DEP requirements for fuel storage. After closing the hearing, the board moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed by voice vote.
