Swatara Township plans for residential forest update, data center ordinance

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Swatara Township supervisors unanimously agreed on July 9 to advertise an ordinance revising the residential forest district and governing data centers, for potential adoption at its Aug. 13 meeting.

Earlier this year, supervisor Dean Patches summarized potential changes to the residential forest zone as changing large lot regulations from applying to two-acre lots to applying to five-acre lots, requiring engineer plans for structures on site, and not allowing the clearing of trees for conversion to agricultural uses, noting that land clearing would not be allowed save for where necessary for houses, driveways, septic, and similar uses.

Without existing language on data centers in the zoning ordinance, a developer could make the case to place it in any zone. Solicitor Colleen Gallo said the ordinance is interim, meant to create minimum requirements and place the use in the industrial district while the planning commission continues to evaluate more detailed regulations.

Residents voiced concerns about data centers, including vibrations and constant humming stemming from their operation. A resident asked whether the ordinance prevents data centers, and Gallo clarified that it does not, and such an ordinance would not be legal. However, it creates setback, buffer, lot size, and other requirements for such a use, and limits it to the industrial zoning district.

Supervisor Rick Kreitzer said the township cannot prevent data centers as a private industry, but can restrict building height, require public water usage, and restrict setbacks within reason.

Supervisors also heard that the township received estimates from Wilson Engineering and HRG regarding the cost of the North Lancaster Street Bridge replacement. Wilson estimated construction costs at between $800,000 and $1.2 million, while HRG estimated construction at $1.35 million and engineering costs at around $285,000.

A recent inspection by Wilson found the bridge to be in need of work, though at the time supervisors were unaware of the specifics of the problem with the 70-year-old bridge.

Patches explained that the bridge’s support system is failing, with the connection between beams rusting and causing weight from vehicles to no longer be effectively spread between beams. This led to the establishment of a weight limit.

“The internal connection points are failing, allowing it to flex,” he said. “You can’t fix that.”

Both engineering firms recommended the full replacement of the bridge, which also has cracking in the base, and said repairs would be ineffective.

“I get the impression that the engineer doesn’t want to put good money on top of bad,” said Patches.

In a 2-1 vote, with supervisor Joe Motter opposed, the board agreed to hire HRG, the township’s regular provider, for engineering services on the bridge. Motter voiced a preference for Wilson.

The next step is for HRG to collect more detailed information on the bridge’s existing conditions, after which it will provide a more accurate cost estimate. Once the design is completed, the township will likely seek grants to cover part of the project’s expenses.

Supervisors also unanimously agreed to grant weight limit waivers for the bridge for 12 fire trucks. They have been directed to only cross the bridge on the way to an emergency, and take SR 72 on the way back.

In other news, supervisors:

• Unanimously approved the adoption of a zoning map amendment rezoning two parcels behind BG’s market from general commercial to medium-density residential, by request of developer.

• Unanimously approved the $65,781.85 purchase of a PaviJet (a skid loader attachment and road widening tool) contingent on COSTARS verification. Motter said the tool would save the township money.
• Heard a request from a resident for a noise ordinance to address dogs barking and other disruptions, which the planning commission will discuss further. The previous noise ordinance was repealed as the township, which does not have its own police department, does not have a means of enforcing noise ordinance violations at night or on weekends, which are when most reports of violations occur.
• Discussed New Bunker Hill Road, which is labeled by one sign as New Bunker Hill Road and another as New Bunker Hill Street. It is listed by GIS and the state as a road.
• Unanimously approved a $14,041 change order for the Airport Road pipe replacement project to account for the removal and disposal of over eight inches of concrete.
• Unanimously approved a fall field usage request from the North Lebanon Soccer Club.
• Discussed the dirt and gravel road grant program, with the township looking into funding for repairs on Werner Road and Fortna Road.
• Heard that a hearing will be held regarding 376 Mountville Drive on Aug. 3.
• Held an executive session regarding potential litigation.
• Unanimously agreed to add to the agenda and subsequently grant a small project waiver for stormwater management for a manure storage building planned at the Werner Road dairy farm.
• Unanimously agreed to approve minutes, reports, and bills.

The East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.