Data center developments at standstill
Supervisors approve new zoning officer
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LEWISTOWN -- Developments on a proposed data center in Granville Township is at a standstill after solicitor Fred Lighty rejected their major traffic impact conditional use application.
Lighty told The Sentinel he has not heard from the developers since they were sent a rejection letter and that if the developers wish to appeal it would take up to 60 days.
In the meantime, Lighty said he is preparing a revised draft of the township's data center ordinance to better address the community's needs. If the developer resubmits its application, it will be required to comply with the updated ordinance.
Lighty said he believes the township has sufficient time to complete those revisions before a new application is filed.
"They are bound by the ordinance, which requires, among other things, 'will-serve' letters for water and electricity, and they are nowhere near those things," Lighty said. "So I anticipate having enough time."
Lighty said the revisions currently under consideration are primarily minor terminology changes. However, he acknowledged that some residents have expressed concerns about the ordinance and are interested in discussing possible amendments. Residents may contact him to schedule a meeting to review provisions they believe should be changed or added.
In other business, township supervisors appointed Timothy Plank as Granville Township's new zoning officer, replacing Mary Herto. Plank currently serves as Menno Township's zoning officer and will also serve as Granville Township's residential, non-electrical plan reviewer and inspector.
The appointment follows public opposition last month to reappointing Herto.
Despite the change, some residents said they remain concerned about township transparency.
Resident Nate Fisher questioned why a Planning Commission meeting listed on the township website for July 28 did not take place. Fisher said residents arrived to find the building locked with no notice posted and no update on the township's website indicating the meeting had been canceled or rescheduled.
Township officials later explained that the Planning Commission does not meet when there are no agenda items, but residents said that policy was not clearly communicated.
Supervisors also continued discussing whether township meetings should be rotated between daytime and evening hours to improve public access.
Supervisor Stewart said the current 10 a.m. meeting time was one reason Lighty accepted the solicitor position. Stewart suggested keeping meetings at 10 a.m. through the end of the year before considering a rotating schedule beginning in 2027.
Under the proposal, supervisors would alternate between morning and evening meetings every other month. Lighty said he would be willing to accommodate a rotating schedule beginning next year.