At the Northampton Borough Council meeting Sept. 3, council approved a request to advertise ordinance 1244 that amends the borough zoning ordinance to define and add specific requirements for data centers and data center accessory uses and to provide provisions for uses not provided for in the ordinance.
Data centers are being planned and beginning development. This rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has triggered a backlash against new data center construction, with reportedly about 70% of Americans opposing local projects due to concerns over high utility bills, environmental damage and resource strain.
Councilwoman Judy Haldeman expressed concerns about data centers’ reported electricity usage. Solicitor Stephanie Steward explained the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan consortium will be working together to address the impact of data centers if they develop in the group’s municipalities. The members of the River Central group are Northampton; East Allen Township; Hanover Township, Lehigh County; North Catasauqua; and Catasauqua…