Jackson Township votes to submit data center ordinance to county planning

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors voted Nov. 3 to submit its draft data center ordinance to the county planning office for feedback.

Supervisors have previously said they’re looking into a data center ordinance to “get something on the books,” so they’re ahead of any companies that want to move into the area. The draft ordinance, if approved, would restrict any data centers to the township’s industrial zoning district.

Township engineer Stephen Sherk with Steckbeck Engineering mentioned mini data centers at the last meeting, and supervisor Thomas Houtz asked if they should edit the ordinance to include these smaller centers. Sherk said mini data centers would be more common in urban areas.

Read More: Jackson Township supervisors receive first draft of data center ordinance

“Maybe the borough would need to be more concerned about it if somebody wanted to take an empty building,” Sherk said. “I think what you guys ought to be concerned about is the large-scale ones that would take up a lot of rein.”

The draft is based on other places that have data center ordinances, he said. Drafters also used the York County Planning Commission’s tools, which included model ordinances and guidelines.

“Our land-use group has been discussing data centers for at least the last couple of months, and based on the version that I’ve reviewed, it’s very similar to what we’ve been circulating throughout Barley [Snyder],” attorney Megan Ryland Tanner said.

The county planning office will have 45 days for review and feedback. Once the township makes any recommended changes it wants, supervisors can choose to advertise it before a final vote for adoption.

Supervisors also told LebTown that the breakroom renovations were completed after they decided to redo the area in April. Houtz previously said the room was in rough shape and needed some attention so that township staff would feel more comfortable using it.

Read More: Jackson Township supervisors approve contracts for break room renovations

They previously agreed to a $12,210 contract with Jake’s Construction to build and install custom cabinets for the kitchen, install drywall, baseboards, and casing, paint the walls, ceiling, and trim, and redo the floor.

The electric and plumbing contract went to Fox & Long for $7,640 and included PVC pipe and fittings, installing the water and drain to the sink, and installing the light fixtures.

Supervisors gave the contract for two microwaves, an electric range, a dishwasher, and appliance installation to Tom B. Morrissey TV and Appliance for $2,043. Supervisor Thomas Morrissey abstained from the vote.

In other business, supervisors:

• Adopted a resolution appointing Warren Weaver for another term on the Jackson Township Industrial Development Authority.
• Authorized Sherk to start getting the required permits to replace two culverts on Flanagan Road and one on North Ramona Road.
• Received an update that the updated solicitors and peddlers ordinance is being worked on, and supervisors can expect a first draft in several weeks.
• Voted to change the Keystone Hook & Ladder Company’s fire box, as requested. The box is going from around 12 types of calls up to 29, so firefighters can bring the correct equipment to respond to emergencies.
• Heard a request from Keystone Hook & Ladder Company about applying for Local Share Account funds for an upgraded washer and dryer for firefighter gear. Representatives said it’s probably going to be around $30,000, but the supervisors decided to table the discussion until they have a specific amount to request.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors will meet next at 60 N. Ramona Road on Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.