TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP, MONROE CO. (WOLF) — Data centers could soon become a familiar sight across northeastern Pennsylvania. One Monroe County township is moving forward with a controversial zoning change that residents say threatens the area’s natural identity.
Another meeting with a packed room, as Tobyhanna Township supervisors voted to approve a zoning overlay that allows a data center to be built on land currently zoned rural residential. While municipalities are required to allow for them in zoning, residents in Tobyhanna Township say where they go matters just as much.
On December 11th, supervisors voted on a data center ordinance for Pocono Manor. Monday night, they voted on an overlay district for the Pennsylvania Glacial Till property along Caughbaugh Road, just off Route 115.
The 520-acre site sits next to the Lehigh River, is surrounded by conservation land, and includes wetlands. It’s currently zoned rural residential, though parts of the property are actively mined.
An Attorney representing the developer told supervisors the project would still face multiple regulatory hurdles.