Data Centers Outrun PA Zoning Laws!

Meet Mack Monday 18 May 2026: Focus on Open Government

John Mack convened community members to address a lack of transparency in township governance, specifically highlighting “underwater” data—such as engineering reports and financial audits—that are withheld from public view. Key updates included the stalled Newtown Creek bridge project, a controversial four-lot subdivision on Lafayette Street, and the potential encroachment of data center fiber optics through the borough and township.

The meeting served as a recruitment drive for Neighbors for Open Government (NOG), emphasizing a non-partisan push for accessible public documents and interactive work sessions.

[Click here for enlarged view of infographic.]

5 Surprising Takeaways from the 13 May 2026 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Meeting

Local township meetings are often dismissed as dry, bureaucratic exercises, but the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting on May 13, 2026, proved that these sessions are the front lines of community identity and fiscal survival (read “13 May 2026 Newtown Township Bills List Analysis”).

The evening began with a veneer of civic unity as the board and public celebrated the promotion of Detective Sergeant Joseph Camp, a 15-year veteran who swore an oath to discharge his duties with "fidelity."

However, as the ceremonial applause faded, the atmosphere shifted toward an investigative tension. Over the course of three hours, the board grappled with a million dollar infrastructure failure, a "low-ball" offer to purchase land owned by the Sewer Authority, and a growing chorus of residents who feel the township’s fidelity is being sold to the highest bidder. This was not just a meeting; it was a masterclass in the friction between municipal growth and the citizens left to foot the bill.

• Scope of Work: The installation involves directional boring and excavation within the PennDOT right-of-way.
• Affected Areas:
  • North side of Washington Avenue (Borough line to State Street).
  • West side of South State Street (Washington to Centre Avenue).
  • South side of Centre Avenue (South State Street to the Township line).
• Technical Methods: Contractors will use "vacuum digging" to locate utility laterals. The project requires "coffin-sized" access holes every 200 feet.
• Project Status: Currently paused. Borough officials and state representatives intervened after determining that LightPath failed to provide accurate advance notice or adequate communication regarding traffic impacts and residential property disruption.
• Borough Requirements for Resumption: A public information session, direct resident notification, and a detailed project schedule.

Several documents, including draft ordinances from Upper Merion, East Rockhill, and PennFuture, provide various legislative frameworks and guidelines for regulating the development of data centers within Pennsylvania municipalities.

The ordinances establish clear definitions for facilities used for digital storage and processing, while also addressing accessory uses such as substations and cooling equipment.

A significant focus is placed on environmental protections, requiring developers to conduct noise and vibration studies and adhere to strict decibel limits near residential areas. Additionally, the sources detail utility requirements, mandating that applicants prove they have sufficient electrical and water capacity without depleting local resources or impacting private wells.

Land use is further managed through zoning district amendments, which set specific standards for building heights, property setbacks, and landscape screening.

Ultimately, these regulations aim to balance the expansion of digital infrastructure with the health and safety of the surrounding community.

Local officials discussed various land-use regulations, specifically focusing on updates to wireless communications, billboard usage, and signage definitions across member municipalities.

A significant portion of the conversation centered on the potential development of data centers, with members debating how to regulate their massive energy consumption and noise impact through a new specialized ordinance.

The council also addressed administrative matters, such as appointing a Right-to-Know officer and improving public access to documents via digital links in meeting agendas.

Finally, the session included public comment regarding the protection of preserved farmland from industrial development.

East Rockhill Township Takes Aim at Data Centers With New Zoning Rules

This zoning ordinance proposes several amendments to the East Rockhill Township Code to address modern land-use needs. The primary focus is the creation of a Data Center category, which establishes strict standards for lot size, noise control, and utility management.

Additionally, the document updates agricultural definitions to clarify the difference between commercial farming and residential animal keeping. It also refines the contracting use category to explicitly include landscaping businesses as regulated contractors.

Comprehensive Table of Use updates specify that these new industrial and commercial activities are primarily restricted to Industrial districts under conditional use terms.

These measures aim to protect the community’s health and welfare while integrating new technological infrastructure into the local landscape.

The proposed Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance Amendment (2026-XX) establishes a unified legal framework to control the placement and design of signs across Newtown, Wrightstown, and Upper Makefield Townships.

By introducing specific categories like off-premises advertising and electronic message centers, the law sets strict limitations on the size, height, and spacing of billboards to preserve local aesthetics and driver safety.

The amendment mandates that large advertisements be positioned away from residential areas and public parks, while requiring regular structural inspections by licensed engineers.

Furthermore, the amendment provides clear rules for agricultural signage, ensuring that local farms can advertise seasonal products without cluttering the scenic environment.

Ultimately, these regulations aim to balance the needs of commercial communication with the protection of the community’s visual quality and public welfare.

This video highlights the emergence of Neighbors for Open Government (NOG), a nonpartisan grassroots alliance formed to address perceived secrecy and accountability failures within Newtown Township’s local government.

Founding members describe a broken "civic feedback loop" where officials use minimal agendas, weaponized parliamentary procedures, and silence to bypass public scrutiny on significant financial and policy decisions.

To counter this "Information Iceberg," NOG utilizes fiscal oversight, legal leverage through records requests, and advanced AI tools to transcribe and analyze municipal meetings independently.

By benchmarking Newtown against more transparent neighboring boroughs, the group argues that government accessibility is a deliberate choice rather than a resource limitation.

Ultimately, the movement seeks to enhance civic engagement by demanding that residents have full access to the financial data and background documents that impact their community.

The NOG initiative emphasizes that transparency is a taxpayer-mandated standard essential for maintaining public trust and functional local democracy.

Case #2024-03151 is a significant eminent domain and condemnation proceeding initiated by the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA, aka Newtown Sewer Authority) against 42 University LLC. Commencing on May 17, 2024, the litigation concerns a “Declaration of Taking” regarding real property.

As of April 2026, the case has progressed from the initial taking to the filing of a “Report of Viewers” and subsequent motions by the Authority to list the condemned property for sale. This briefing is based on the results of a 27 July 2026 search on Case #2024-03151 (see Docket search results here and the Docket Entries here).

In a recent discussion hosted by the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors, local leaders shared the various zoning challenges and public pressures caused by the rapid expansion of data centers.

Township officials emphasized the importance of proactive regulation, noting that failing to update ordinances early can leave municipalities vulnerable to massive development projects that bypass new rules.

These facilities present significant concerns regarding massive energy consumption, potential water shortages, and the preservation of agricultural land.

While state lawmakers are attempting to create regulatory frameworks, local boards often find themselves caught between litigious developers and residents who are deeply concerned about their community's safety and resources.

To navigate these complexities, officials recommend collaborating with neighboring municipalities and utilizing existing county guides to draft specialized zoning amendments. Ultimately, the sources highlight a growing disconnect between state economic goals and the local responsibility to manage the environmental and social impacts of the tech industry.

A summary of the professional services and billing activities provided by Barry Isett & Associates for Newtown Township during March 2026.

The primary invoice, totaling $56,836.50, covers a wide range of municipal code and zoning tasks, including building plan reviews, site inspections, and administrative correspondence.

A summary of the professional services and billing activities provided by Barry Isett & Associates for Newtown Township during March 2026.

The primary invoice, totaling $56,836.50, covers a wide range of municipal code and zoning tasks, including building plan reviews, site inspections, and administrative correspondence.

Accompanying the invoice is a comprehensive permit log that itemizes specific construction projects, such as commercial fit-outs, new residential dwellings, and utility upgrades. Individual staff entries track the hourly labor dedicated to resolving property complaints, managing road opening permits, and enforcing local signage ordinances.

Together, these records serve as a financial and operational summary of the township’s regulatory oversight and land use management for the period.

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting held on April 22, 2026, centered on critical infrastructure proposals, fiscal transparency, and the mechanics of local governance.

Key developments included a formal request from Council Rock Newtown Athletic Association for a public-private collaboration to secure state grants for field lighting at Vets Park, utilizing modern technology to mitigate long-standing community concerns regarding light pollution.

Significant public scrutiny was directed at township expenditures, specifically a $56,836.50 invoice for inspection services that residents argued lacked sufficient accounting.

Administratively, the Board moved forward with an intergovernmental agreement for fire services with Newtown Borough and addressed subdivision plans for Lower Dolington Road.

However, the meeting also revealed underlying tensions regarding the appointment process for township committees, specifically the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), and the urgent need to address the emergence of data centers within the community.

The April 22, 2026, meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, included a lively debate regarding civic engagement and the appointment process for local committees, such as the Environmental Advisory Council.

Resident John Mack commented on the book “Bowling Alone,” which examines the decline of civic participation and community connections in America and the impact this erosion has on our democracy.

Mr. Mack mentioned the need Newtown Township has for citizens to be more engaged and to participate in several of the township’s “clubs” such as the Environmental Advisory Council, Human Relations Commission, Veterans Committee, and Parks and Recreation Board.

He also mentioned that several dozen Newtown residents have recently joined a NEW civic “club” – Neighbors for Open Government! More about that here: ttps://johnmacknewtown.info/nogpage.html 

The transcript of the 21 April 2026 Newtown Planning Commission meeting details a sketch plan presentation for the Lafayette One development, a proposed four-lot residential subdivision situated on approximately five acres.

Representatives for the developer met with the Planning Commission to gather informal feedback on extending Lafayette Street into a cul-de-sac to serve the new homes. Key technical discussions involved stormwater management, the preservation of existing woodlands, and the inclusion of pedestrian sidewalks to meet community walkability goals.

Local residents expressed significant concerns regarding increased traffic, the potential loss of wildlife habitats, and the impact of construction vehicles on their quiet neighborhood. In response, the commission and developers explored alternatives such as using Penn Street for access and adding privacy buffering for adjacent properties.

The meeting concluded with the developers agreeing to refine their engineering plans and address neighboring feedback before submitting a formal application.

The NBCJMA 2025 Chapter 94 Report serves as a comprehensive annual assessment of the wastewater collection and conveyance systems serving Newtown Township and Newtown Borough in Pennsylvania.

This regulatory filing details the operational status and maintenance activities performed throughout the year, with a specific focus on mitigating groundwater infiltration and inflow.

Extensive data logs highlight infrastructure repairs, such as joint sealing and pipe patching, while mapping out future service connections planned through 2030. Additionally, the report monitors the performance and hydraulic capacity of five local pumping stations to ensure the system can accommodate both current demands and projected regional growth.

Monitoring efforts and preventative maintenance schedules are documented to demonstrate compliance with environmental protection standards and long-term utility stability.

The Lafayette One Plan Sketch Plan (view detailed PDF of the plan) outlines the regulatory and technical specifications for a proposed residential development in Newtown Township.

Key takeaways include full compliance with municipal parking requirements (two off-street spaces per dwelling) and a location within a "Zone X" minimal flood hazard area.

The project is currently in the Sketch Plan review phase, meaning it is not yet authorized for construction and remains subject to final utility design approvals and the acquisition of an NPDES permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Strict adherence to sight distance visibility at intersections and federal traffic control standards is required to ensure public safety.

The official April 22, 2026, Bills List for Newtown Township details financial expenditures and fund transfers that will come up for approval by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) on April 22, 2026.

This summary serves as a comprehensive record of the township’s operational and administrative costs during a two-week period in Aprill.

It outlines a total spending of $421,944.33 distributed across various accounts, including the General Fund, Fire Protection Fund, and Capital Projects. Major costs include municipal insurance premiums, legal and engineering services, and infrastructure maintenance such as traffic signal repairs and fuel purchases.

Recent news stories highlight a growing conflict in Pennsylvania and beyond regarding the rapid expansion of data centers and their significant environmental and social costs.

While these facilities are vital for modern technology, they face intense criticism for their massive energy consumption, staggering water usage, and the potential to drive up local utility prices.

Community members and shareholders are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability, pushing back against the industry’s frequent use of non-disclosure agreements and its failure to meet stated sustainability goals.

Local governments, such as West Rockhill and Limerick, are struggling to implement zoning ordinances and regulations to protect their rural character from unregulated development.

Some advocates suggest shifting focus toward semiconductor manufacturing, arguing it provides more high-skilled jobs and better long-term economic stability than data storage.

Ultimately, the stories illustrate a complex struggle to balance the demands of the digital economy with the preservation of natural resources and local quality of life.

At the 14 April 2026 meeting of the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (aka Newtown Sewer Authority), Jessica L. VanderKam, Esquire, the Authority's Solicitor, responded to resident John Mack's questions regarding procedures with the Eminent Domain Judge to gain permission to sell the now-canceled proposed sewer treatment plant property on the open market.

Recall that at the 10 March 2026 meeting, the NBCJMA solicitor confirmed that the previous owners did not accept the $11.5 million offer (see details here: sco.lt/6GGjho). Consequently, the Authority has "moved forward to ask the court for permission to sell the property."

Mack's questions included: Is there a hearing/meeting set up with the Eminent Domain Judge.? f so, when is it and is it open to the public? If it is a public meeting, how do I get info on attending? [See answers below.]

Meanwhile, are there any outstanding offers to buy the land?

Listen to Ms. VanderKam's responses.

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors convened on April 8, 2026, to address various municipal administrative matters and public concerns.

During the session, the board approved significant expenditures for police vehicles and maintenance equipment, while the Solicitor advanced a long-standing wireless facilities ordinance and a ceremonial street renaming.

Chief John Hearn provided an extensive police report for March, detailing criminal activity, a high-value investment scam, and upcoming community safety events.

A local resident criticized the board for failing to appoint members to the Environmental Advisory Council, warning that the group lacks the necessary quorum to meet during Earth Month.

Other discussions included the limitations of enforcing noise ordinances related to commercial truck braking and an update on a fire services agreement.

The meeting concluded with positive feedback regarding a recent community event and the scheduling of future town activities.

At its 8 April 2026 Work Session, the Borough Council moved to enter a one-year Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement for fire services with Newtown Township for 2026.

The thirst for digital speed and processing power necessitates a physical cooling process that places a massive strain on our most precious liquid resource - water.

Major technology corporations like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are facing intense scrutiny from investors and local communities regarding the massive environmental footprint of their data centers.

Shareholders are demanding greater transparency through formal resolutions, specifically seeking detailed data on water consumption and carbon emissions as computing needs surge due to artificial intelligence.

While these tech giants have pledged to improve sustainability, reports indicate that their resource usage is rising significantly, often rivaling the water needs of entire major cities.

Investors argue that site-specific disclosures are essential to evaluate the long-term operational and financial risks associated with these expansions. In response, industry leaders are attempting to improve community engagement and refine their cooling technologies to mitigate the ecological impact of their infrastructure. Currently, the lack of standardized reporting continues to leave many stakeholders feeling uninformed about the true environmental costs of digital growth.

At the 25 March 2026 Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, approved a notable investment by the  NTPD of $3,825.00 for renewal of a "TrafficCloud" contract. 

What exactly is TrafficCloud? Unfortunately, that - like all items in the Bills List - was never explained when the vote to approve the list was made.

TrafficCloud is a cloud-based analytics platform that helps police departments and municipalities make smarter, data-driven decisions about traffic safety and enforcement. It pulls together data from crash reports, citations, warnings, and traffic stops—often directly from CAD/RMS systems—and converts it into easy-to-understand maps, charts, and dashboards.

The platform is commonly used to identify high-risk locations (such as intersections or corridors with frequent crashes), track trends like speeding or DUIs, and guide targeted enforcement efforts. It’s a key tool in programs like DDACTS (Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety), where agencies focus resources where data shows the greatest need.

TrafficCloud also supports grant applications and reporting by providing clear evidence of traffic safety issues and the impact of enforcement campaigns. For local governments, it helps shift conversations from anecdotal complaints to measurable patterns—showing not just where problems exist, but whether solutions are actually improving safety over time.