Attached is the draft ordinance update for data centers. There are two versions of it attached – a clean update and a redlined update. I haven’t added any of the bells and whistles (titles, whereas clauses, signature lines, etc.), this is just the draft regulations.
THE CLEAN VERSION
The clean version demonstrates what the draft regulations look like now.
- Blue highlighted text (like this) are reminders for me to check references to other sections once we reach the final draft.
THE REDLINED VERSION
The redlined version demonstrates how this version changed from the original text.
- Black, regular text (like this) demonstrates current ordinance text, no edits proposed.
- Red underlined text (like this) demonstrates where text has been added to the document.
- Red strike through text (like this) demonstrates where text has been deleted from the document.
- Blue underlined text (like this) demonstrates formatting changes.
- Blue highlighted text (like this) are reminders for me to check references to other sections once we have a final draft.
- Comments vary in what they do, but think of them as margin notes.
CURATIVE AMENDMENT PAGE
The curative amendment page is live, here: https://smithfieldtownship.com/otp/dcca
You can reach this page from www.smithfieldtownship.com by going to the “Resources” menu at the top, then “Open Township Projects”, then “Data Center Curative Amendment.” The original Data Center Criteria Update page has been moved to the closed section, and we’ll keep updates solely on the new curative amendment page.
REVIEWING AND COMMENTING ON THE DRAFT ORDINANCE
You are welcome to send me any thoughts/guidance/ideas/questions you have prior to the June 3rd meeting. You’ll notice that not every concern raised at the May 6th meeting was addressed in this draft. We’re still researching the legality of adding certain provisions, and there are some items – like items related to electrical service - that we know townships can’t pass legislation on because of the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Rest assured, every concern voiced at the May meeting was heard, and we are regulating this use where township jurisdiction allows.
If you email me before the meeting, I will start researching and responding, but I won’t update the ordinance again until after the June 3rd meeting. Once we have comments from that meeting, I’ll update the draft and send it out again.
When commenting on the ordinance during the June 3rd public meeting (or if you send me an email), please articulate your comments in such a way to reference the section number (example: I want to talk about Item 1.C.2 – Building Facades and Fenestration on page 4). Starting this way means everyone can follow along and keeps us all on the same page.
NEXT MEETING REMINDER
I hope to see you on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6PM at JT Lambert Intermediate School (2000 Milford Rd, East Stroudsburg PA, 18301). Doors open at 5:30PM, and we’ll meet in the auditorium. The meeting won’t go past 9:30PM; we have to break down everything and be out of the building by 10PM. If you can come in person, please do so.
Best,
Julia
Julia Heilakka
Township Manager, Smithfield Township
570.223.5082 ext. 9
www.smithfieldtownship.com
1155 Red Fox Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301