Wrightstown Studies Data Center Ordinance, Just in Case

 

While no data centers have been proposed in Wrightstown, the township joined Newtown and Upper Makefield in adopting G-17, a new joint zoning ordinance that permits data centers as a conditional use in some areas. The ordinance took effect August 18. 

 

Two locations for data center development are identified in the ordinance, both in Wrightstown's quarry district.  While G-17 includes important safeguards – including setbacks, noise limits, decommissioning requirements and a groundwater impact study – it  does not establish a maximum groundwater withdrawal, drought protections or an analysis of impacts on Wrightstown's private wells. This is especially significant because Wrightstown has no centralized public water system.

 

Governor Shapiro's August 18 executive order now adds statewide requirements for data centers, including local approval before state permitting can proceed.

 

The Joint Zoning Council – comprised of Wrightstown, Newtown and Upper Makefield – is scheduled to meet again on Sept. 3 to “discuss and advise on zoning ordinance changes.”  ​The Joint Council will meet at the Wrightstown Municipal Building (and on Zoom) on Sept. 3. Register here.

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What You Can Do Now

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1. Know what G-17 does. Ask the Township for the final adopted ordinance and the map showing the areas where a data center could potentially be considered.
 

2. Pay particular attention to water. Ask how much groundwater a future facility could use, how neighboring private wells would be protected, and what happens during drought.
 

3. Ask questions before there is an application. The Township should explain how it will evaluate groundwater, traffic, electricity, noise, stormwater, emergency services and environmental impacts.
 

4. Stay involved. Attend Board of Supervisors and Joint Zoning Council meetings when data-center issues are on the agenda, and submit written comments when appropriate.
 

5. Don't assume approval is inevitable. G-17 establishes a zoning framework; it does not approve a particular data center. Any future project will still have to go through the applicable local approval process.

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