Lehigh Township is moving forward with an ordinance aimed at regulating potential data center development, following a lengthy discussion at its most recent supervisors meeting.

Supervisors reviewed Ordinance 2026-2, Data Centers, along with suggested changes from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.

“There was much discussion about the ordinance,” officials said.

Supervisor Janet Sheats said she would like to see several revisions.

“I would like it to change from a five acre minimum to 10, also the Fire Commission should inspect before the start of the center and after,” Sheats said.

Township Solicitor Dave Backenstoe noted that the facilities operate using a closed-loop water system.

“It is a closed loop system which circulates the water,” Backenstoe said.

Supervisor Cindy Miller said the ordinance is intended to serve as a temporary safeguard while the township continues to learn more about data center operations. “We can set the conditions later on. We can make changes to it. It’s a stop gap,” Miller said. “Keep the ordinance looser. There is so much information. Would be nice if there would be statewide rules. We don’t have the power or water source. It’s a living document. It will protect all of us. It will be zoned for Industrial, conditional.”

Under Pennsylvania law, municipalities cannot prohibit data centers, as local governments are required to accommodate legitimate land uses. However, municipalities may plan for potential development by defining suitable zoning districts and regulating issues such as noise, height and setbacks.

Backenstoe said updates to technology happen rapidly, making it important for the township to keep the ordinance flexible. “The upgrades change so fast because of the technology,” Backenstoe said. “Let Mike Muffley and I get a draft ready for Lehigh Valley Planning, about what you all have discussed.”

The board agreed.

Other matters

In other business, the board approved a resolution amending the township’s Act 537 plan to connect Walnutport Mobile Park to the public sewer system.

Supervisors also approved an application and permit for the consumption of alcohol in township parks.

“I would run by the insurance company,” Backenstoe said.

The board agreed, with Supervisor Gerald Pritchard noting, “We need to have the signs be the same at all parks.”

The board also approved multiple vehicle bids. The bid for a 2002 Freightliner was awarded to Richard Libbey for $7,300. The bid for 2007 and 2008 Ford F-350 pickup trucks was awarded to Justin Kwasnoski for $5,300. The bid for a 2016 Dodge Charger was awarded to Carl Kresge for $1,550.

Supervisors also approved Resolution 2026-18, authorizing the township to apply to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for grant funding to hire a consultant to redo township parks.

Board President Mike Jones announced that the township received a donation toward improvements at Pennsville.

“I wanted to let everyone know we had a donation of a new roof on the storage building at Pennsville, from one of our residents, Adam Holenick Exterior,” Jones said. “We could put his business in the next newsletter and perhaps a sign on the building.”

The board agreed.

The board also accepted the resignation of Police Officer Joseph Dougherty.

During public comment, resident Lisa Pignataro asked if the fire tax is an annual charge.

Jones responded, “Yes. It’s part of the Capital Plan to be able to purchase fire trucks.”

Officials also noted that shelters at Delps Dog Park have been installed, and residents are pleased with the added sun and rain protection.

The board later went into executive session for collective bargaining.