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Council tables data-center zoning changes and kratom regulations pending hearings and more input
Summary
Two proposed amendments to the zoning code concerning data centers and two ordinances regulating kratom were tabled for additional public hearing and interagency input; members of the public raised concerns about microreactors and emergency planning tied to data centers.
Council tabled two proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance addressing data centers and two related ordinances that would regulate the sale or distribution of kratom and chemically modified derivatives pending additional public hearings and input from the city and county.
The chair announced that ordinances 8a and 8b (data centers) will be held until a public hearing can be scheduled and that ordinances 8c and 8d concerning kratom are under review with the city and Lackawanna County. During public comment, Jennifer Loftus urged the council to consider emergency planning for microreactors that may be associated with data centers and to require protections and financial guarantees from prospective developers. Her remarks focused on differences between microreactors and larger nuclear facilities and on requiring upfront protections and clarity for emergency response.
Council members said more information is needed before moving forward and that public hearings will be scheduled to collect testimony and additional data.
