As data centers become a focal point of development across Lackawanna County, the debate over their impact on local infrastructure and communities is heating up. Commissioner Bill Gaughan has raised concerns about the potential burdens these centers could impose, prompting discussion about possible impact fees.
“If data centers place unique burdens on infrastructure, which I believe they will [on] utilities, emergency services, or [the] housing market, environmental systems, among many others, then it’s entirely reasonable for the commonwealth to consider legislation that allows host counties to recover some of these costs,” Gaughan stated.
He has tasked County Solicitor Paul James Walker with investigating whether state legislation is necessary to address these concerns. The idea is to explore models from other states that could offer solutions.
Rising Presence of Data Centers
Since early 2025, numerous data center proposals have surfaced in the region, catching the attention of local municipalities. The rapid growth of this industry has often outpaced zoning regulations, leaving many communities unprepared to handle the influx. The data centers, typically large and unremarkable in appearance, promise job creation and increased tax revenues but also raise questions about environmental impact and local quality of life.
“This is something that we’re hearing about now from almost every single person that I run into on the street. Everybody has some question or some concern about data centers,” Gaughan mentioned.
Community Concerns and Opinions
Commissioners Thom Welby and Chris Chermak have also voiced their thoughts on this development trend. Welby highlighted concerns about proximity to neighborhoods and resource consumption, while Chermak focused on the economic opportunities these centers could bring.
“That I’m in favor of. There’s a lot of money, tax money, to be gathered up by the county and by the municipalities, and the school districts,” Chermak noted, acknowledging the financial benefits.
Challenges and Legal Considerations
Currently, Lackawanna County faces the challenge of navigating these developments with limited authority. “The county commissioners have zero authority over the municipality … we can’t tell them they can’t do this, or they can’t do that if they follow the law within their zoning,” Chermak explained. The Lackawanna County Regional Planning Commission can only make non-binding recommendations.
Proposals and Legal Disputes
Several data center campuses are proposed across the county, with legal disputes already underway in areas like Archbald and Clifton and Covington townships. Other sites face zoning challenges, such as the recent denial in Ransom Township for Scranton Materials LLC’s application.
As more locations are under consideration, including areas in Jessup and Dickson City, the debate continues. Amazon Web Services, for instance, plans to operate a center next to the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Salem Twp.
Balancing Progress and Community Impact
Gaughan emphasized the need for careful consideration of data center developments, questioning the overall benefits versus the costs to the community. “You can’t raise a family in a server rack. You can’t build a neighborhood out of backup generators,” he remarked, calling for a balanced approach to technological advancement.
