Clinton Township’s Fight Against Data Center: Costs and Concerns

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Tensions remain high in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, as residents continue organizing against a proposed data center and power-generating facility they say could fundamentally change the rural character of the region.

At a packed Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday, May 13, township leaders and residents focused less on immediate decisions and more on long-term strategy — including zoning changes, legal preparation and how to fund what officials described as a potentially expensive fight ahead.

“There weren’t quite as many people there, but it was still a really packed environment and I think overall people were ready to get down to work,” said Liam Mayo, editor of The River Reporter, who attended the meeting.

The meeting came one week after an overflow crowd packed a planning commission session on the same issue. This time, Mayo said, the tone had shifted slightly toward logistics and coordination between residents and township officials.

“There was a lot of discussion about potential partnerships between the community and the township in terms of fighting this, in terms of putting the appropriate ordinances in place,” Mayo said.

At the center of the meeting was a proposed amendment to the township’s subdivision and land development ordinance aimed at regulating data center development. Late last year, Clinton Township began working on an update to its land development rules, or SALDO, to help protect residents from data centers. No formal action was taken, but officials discussed how to incorporate public concerns as the draft continues to be refined.

Township leaders also made visible efforts to accommodate ongoing public interest. The meeting again took place in a larger pole barn-style venue, with additional chairs and a microphone system installed after residents raised concerns about accessibility and communication at prior sessions.

Chair of the Clinton Township Board of Supervisors, Mark Lopatofsky (center) during a Wednesday, May 13 township meeting. (Liam Mayo/River Reporter)

“There’s a huge awareness from the supervisors, from everyone involved, with how important this issue is and how protracted this is going to be,” Mayo said. He added that officials acknowledged they are still learning about data centers and their regulatory challenges in real time. Township leaders also openly invited community involvement in shaping the ordinance.

A key theme throughout the meeting was cost — both the potential expense of litigation if the ordinance is challenged, and the limited financial capacity of the township itself.

Board Chair Mark Lopatofsky warned, “This is going to be a big fight, and it is going to be a costly fight.”

Mayo said that sentiment was widely echoed in discussions about the township’s fiscal limits and the scale of what it may be facing.

“The township’s finances are limited compared to the massive budgets of people bringing in these multi-million dollar data centers,” Mayo said. He noted the township’s general fund budget is in the range of several hundred thousand dollars, underscoring concerns about a prolonged legal battle.

“If you get into a protracted legal battle over something like this, that itself could run into the millions of dollars,” he added.

Residents, meanwhile, offered direct financial support during the meeting, with some suggesting personal contributions to help fund legal and technical review of the ordinance.

Among the ideas discussed were hiring outside experts — including a biologist and specialized land-use attorney — reviewing whether to redirect a $30,000 emergency fund, and creating a citizen advisory panel to coordinate with township officials.

No votes were taken on those proposals, as they were not formally on the meeting agenda. Township officials said they would be considered at a special Board of Supervisors meeting expected within the next two weeks.

That meeting will focus in part on funding options and support for the ordinance process, though the exact date has not yet been finalized.

The next formal planning commission meeting is scheduled for June 4, where developers are expected to present more detailed plans for the proposed facility.

Image: Area native Dr. Katie Zefran makes a point during a Wednesday, May 13 meeting of the Clinton Township Board of Supervisors. (Liam Mayo/River Reporter)