CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Franklin County commissioners on Wednesday approved amendments to the county subdivision and land development ordinance aimed at regulating data centers, concluding a process that included two public hearings and extensive public comment.
Commissioners said the ordinance is intended to provide immediate guidance for municipalities as interest in large-scale data center development grows in the county.
“We have to have something on the books,” Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski said before the unanimous vote. “We’re just doing our job here and leading in the right way.”
Commissioner John Flannery said the ordinance was not perfect but necessary because several municipalities currently have no zoning regulations related to data centers.
“If we do not pass this ordinance this evening, we face the potential that tomorrow one of these data centers could plop down in one of these municipalities,” Flannery said. “[This] gives our townships and our boroughs guidance [so they can] put their own stamp of approval on it, and possibly modify it to fit their specific area or region.”
Commissioner Dean Horst said he agreed with public feedback received during the process and noted that local municipalities still retain authority over zoning decisions.
“I appreciate [that] we’ve been able to get together and . . . step slightly outside of our lane to address an issue that affects the county,” Horst said.
During public comment, several residents spoke about concerns tied to data centers, including water usage, renewable energy and the long-term impact of artificial intelligence development.
Jacob Reed of Greencastle said he supported the ordinance while acknowledging it could still be improved.
“I think it needs work, but if our choices are regulations that need work or no regulations, then I say let’s put it in and fix it later,” Reed said.
Josh Redman of Peters Township questioned enforcement provisions in the ordinance and raised concerns about water supplies in his area.
“We’re very concerned about water where I’m at, especially as a small farmer,” Redman said.
County Solicitor Elliot Wink said the $500 penalty contained in the ordinance is the maximum allowed under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and noted the fine could be assessed daily.
Ziobrowski directed staff to continue reviewing the ordinance for possible future updates as technology and legislation evolve.
Housing Authority reappointment
Commissioners also unanimously approved the reappointment of John Flannery to the Franklin County Housing Authority for a five-year term running from June 1 through May 31, 2031.
Chief Clerk Carrie Graybill praised Flannery’s work with the authority.
“I know staff has been grateful to have [his] support in turning around the Housing Authority,” Graybill said.
Flannery said he was proud of the organization’s work.
“I think it’s one of the best in the state, and I’m very proud of the work we’ve done there,” he said.
Alternative dispute resolution panel appointments
Commissioners approved appointments to the county’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel, which supports the county’s merit hire employment system.
Graybill said the panel provides an independent process for handling employee grievances and reducing organizational risk.
“It ensures employment decisions are handled fairly, consistently and transparently,” she said.
Approved appointments included Lisa Thomas to a one-year term, Victoria Kerr to a two-year term and Melinda Thompson to a three-year term. All terms begin May 20.
Veterans Affairs scholarships awarded
The commissioners also recognized recipients of the Franklin County Veterans Affairs “We Support You” scholarships, funded through donations to the department’s outreach fund.
Veterans Affairs Director Josh Curry said the scholarships recognize children of military families and the sacrifices made by both service members and their families.
“When a service member signs that document, that contract, they sign the contract for themselves, but what happens on the back end of that is their family de facto signs that contract too,” Curry said.
This year’s recipients were:
• Camilla Holthaus of Fannett-Metal High School, who plans to study music education at Gettysburg College.
• Sawyer Allen of Greencastle-Antrim High School, who plans to study anthropology, philosophy and pre-law at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Kennedy Tripp of Greencastle-Antrim High School, who plans to study advertising and public relations at Susquehanna University.
• Tara Brown of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, who plans to study nursing at Messiah University.
• Luke Mertz of Commonwealth Charter Academy, who plans to study theology and apologetics at Liberty University.
Commissioners congratulated the students and thanked military families for their service.
Election staff praised
During new business, Ziobrowski commended county election staff and volunteers for their work during Tuesday’s primary election.
“It went flawlessly,” he said. “It was efficient, and a job well done.”
