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 meeting’s location wasn’t available as of this writing.