CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Communications Coordinator Sheena Baker told commissioners the county received 18 public comments about the proposed data center regulation, all of which showed clear opposition to data centers in Franklin County. Residents detailed concerns about water resources, as well as potential impacts to the power grid, environment and public health.
Commissioner John Flannery said, “I think it’s important that the public understand that … we share all those concerns, which is why we did what we did. There’s no way we can completely do anything to stop data centers from coming into Franklin County, but we can try and make it difficult and protect the community as much as we can, and I think we achieved that.”
The regulation amends the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to ensure data centers built or operated in the county adhere to height and noise limits, are set back from roads and sensitive sites like schools and generate at least 25% of their electricity with on-site solar panels, among other requirements.
In Pennsylvania, municipalities govern how land is used (i.e. for agricultural, residential or industrial purposes) with zoning codes. Since not all municipalities in Franklin County have a zoning code or land use ordinance, the proposed county-wide regulation would serve as a model and support municipalities in managing development of data centers.
Residents are encouraged to read the ordinance (online or in-person) and offer comments.
The Board of Commissioners also approved three leases for the Permanent Supportive Housing program to provide stable housing for people with long-term disabilities and those experiencing homelessness while connecting residents with services to help maintain permanent housing.
This type of housing assistance has been shown to be the most effective solution to reduce chronic homelessness, increase participation in out-patient mental health treatment and decrease arrests and jail stays. The leases will be paid by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The commission also approved an undisclosed amount in jail expenses, $1.9 million in county bills and signed a contract with ReliableCare USA Inc. to provide personal care and home support services to aging adults, to be paid by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Franklin County Board of Commissioners will next meet Wed, March 4 at 10 a.m. at the Administration Building (272 N. Second St. in Chambersburg) and streaming on YouTube.
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Franklin Commission receives feedback about data centers, sign housing leases
CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Communications Coordinator Sheena Baker told commissioners the county received 18 public comments about the proposed data center regulation, all of which showed clear opposition to data centers in Franklin County. Residents detailed concerns about water resources, as well as potential impacts to the power grid, environment and public health.
Commissioner John Flannery said, “I think it’s important that the public understand that … we share all those concerns, which is why we did what we did. There’s no way we can completely do anything to stop data centers from coming into Franklin County, but we can try and make it difficult and protect the community as much as we can, and I think we achieved that.”
The regulation amends the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to ensure data centers built or operated in the county adhere to height and noise limits, are set back from roads and sensitive sites like schools and generate at least 25% of their electricity with on-site solar panels, among other requirements.
In Pennsylvania, municipalities govern how land is used (i.e. for agricultural, residential or industrial purposes) with zoning codes. Since not all municipalities in Franklin County have a zoning code or land use ordinance, the proposed county-wide regulation would serve as a model and support municipalities in managing development of data centers.
Residents are encouraged to read the ordinance (online or in-person) and offer comments.
The Board of Commissioners also approved three leases for the Permanent Supportive Housing program to provide stable housing for people with long-term disabilities and those experiencing homelessness while connecting residents with services to help maintain permanent housing.
This type of housing assistance has been shown to be the most effective solution to reduce chronic homelessness, increase participation in out-patient mental health treatment and decrease arrests and jail stays. The leases will be paid by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The commission also approved an undisclosed amount in jail expenses, $1.9 million in county bills and signed a contract with ReliableCare USA Inc. to provide personal care and home support services to aging adults, to be paid by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Franklin County Board of Commissioners will next meet Wed, March 4 at 10 a.m. at the Administration Building (272 N. Second St. in Chambersburg) and streaming on YouTube.
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