CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on April 15 with no votes on controversial items and no new business brought forward.
Wednesday’s weekly session focused on procedural matters, public comment, a proclamation and an informational presentation.
Data center concern
County Communications Coordinator Sheena Baker, reported that 90 comments have been received since April 1, with the majority opposing data centers over worries about water usage, environmental impacts and power demands. Many commenters also called for stronger requirements for on-site solar or renewable power generation.
Resident Valerie Jordan urged the board to proceed with caution. She cited potential rises in energy costs, advocated for long-term goals of 100 percent renewable energy and questioned the origins and urgency of the county’s data center ordinance. She asked commissioners to disclose any known proposals at an upcoming hearing.
Commissioners responded that they have received no specific proposals for data centers in the county. They said they are not rushing any approvals but are working proactively to address possible impacts while awaiting guidance from state legislation.
An additional public meeting on the data center topic is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building at 272 N. Second St. in Chambersburg.
Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The board unanimously proclaimed April 19-25 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Franklin County. District Attorney Ian Brink and commissioners emphasized the need for stronger support for victims, who are often overlooked in the justice system compared with offenders.
“Victims are often victimized twice, by the crime and by being forgotten,” Brink noted. The proclamation marked the 45th anniversary of the national observance first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan.
Mosquito and tick presentation
Jason Gates, mosquito and tick-borne disease control specialist for Franklin and three neighboring counties, gave a presentation on the program’s surveillance, larval control using environmentally friendly methods and limited adult spraying.
He noted that Franklin County averages about 11 truck sprays per year, far fewer than in higher-risk areas. Gates addressed public concerns about pollinators and pesticides and announced upcoming educational videos and FAQs.
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Franklin Commission holds routine weekly meeting
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on April 15 with no votes on controversial items and no new business brought forward.
Wednesday’s weekly session focused on procedural matters, public comment, a proclamation and an informational presentation.
Data center concern
County Communications Coordinator Sheena Baker, reported that 90 comments have been received since April 1, with the majority opposing data centers over worries about water usage, environmental impacts and power demands. Many commenters also called for stronger requirements for on-site solar or renewable power generation.
Resident Valerie Jordan urged the board to proceed with caution. She cited potential rises in energy costs, advocated for long-term goals of 100 percent renewable energy and questioned the origins and urgency of the county’s data center ordinance. She asked commissioners to disclose any known proposals at an upcoming hearing.
Commissioners responded that they have received no specific proposals for data centers in the county. They said they are not rushing any approvals but are working proactively to address possible impacts while awaiting guidance from state legislation.
An additional public meeting on the data center topic is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Administration Building at 272 N. Second St. in Chambersburg.
Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The board unanimously proclaimed April 19-25 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Franklin County. District Attorney Ian Brink and commissioners emphasized the need for stronger support for victims, who are often overlooked in the justice system compared with offenders.
“Victims are often victimized twice, by the crime and by being forgotten,” Brink noted. The proclamation marked the 45th anniversary of the national observance first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan.
Mosquito and tick presentation
Jason Gates, mosquito and tick-borne disease control specialist for Franklin and three neighboring counties, gave a presentation on the program’s surveillance, larval control using environmentally friendly methods and limited adult spraying.
He noted that Franklin County averages about 11 truck sprays per year, far fewer than in higher-risk areas. Gates addressed public concerns about pollinators and pesticides and announced upcoming educational videos and FAQs.
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