Efforts to establish a large data center in Clifton Township and its neighboring area face ongoing hurdles as no agreement has been reached between the township supervisors and the developers. Solicitor Jeff Worthington acknowledged the continued negotiations during a recent meeting, expressing that the resolution remains elusive.
Since April, the Doylestown-based developer, 1778 Rich Pike LLC, has challenged the township’s zoning ordinance. During a hearing on July 29, the developer had sought a continuance, hoping for a settlement with the board before the next meeting, a resolution that has yet to materialize.
“The reason that the applicant was asking for a continuance is that they believed that there was the potential that the applicant and the board of supervisors would reach an agreement on what is called site-specific relief, effectively a settlement,” Worthington explained.
Rezoning Proposal
The developer aims to rezone three properties along Route 380, transitioning from residential to accommodate the proposed data center, which could encompass up to 30 buildings across the two townships in Lackawanna County. The move was met with a zoning amendment by Clifton supervisors in May, which led to a procedural validity challenge filed by the developer and a property owner in June.
Site-specific relief, a legal remedy related to zoning disputes, remains a possibility if no agreement is reached. Worthington noted the potential imposition of such relief by either the zoning hearing board or the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County.
Residents, several of whom attended the meeting, voiced their opposition to the data center project. Philip Mosley, a local resident, stated, “I believe that this proposed development would be wholly unsuited to a community of Clifton’s size and makeup and would have devastating effects on our environment. Clifton and this data center do not belong together.”
Roger Slocum, another township resident, encouraged the board to legally challenge the developers, asserting community support in doing so.
Community Input
The supervisors approved a plan for a consultant review of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to ensure land development aligns with community interests. Planning commission member Matt Gruenloh emphasized the importance of considering resident perspectives in the review process.
Township Chair Jill Zindle invited residents to suggest updates to ordinances, highlighting the need for proactive measures against unforeseen development challenges.
The zoning hearing board has scheduled continuance dates for September 9 and September 30 to further address the matter. For more information on the zoning challenge, visit the original source.
