Lehigh Township supervisors moved forward with a proposed data center ordinance during their latest meeting, reviewing a draft that could head to a public hearing as early as August.

Solicitor David Backenstoe presented the board with a completed draft of the ordinance, which would stand alone from existing zoning regulations.

“I have given the board the finished draft of the data center ordinance,” Backenstoe said. “I used an outline from other municipalities that has worked well for me. I took a lot of Mike Muffley’s work on this. He did a great job, along with Zoning Officer Roxann Colfer.”

Backenstoe said the proposed ordinance is 13 pages long and specifically addresses regulations for data centers.

Supervisor Cindy Miller asked whether the township would be required to allow wind power as part of data center operations.

“No, we do not,” Backenstoe said. “There will be no towers.”

Residents also asked questions about water usage, building height and noise. Backenstoe said data centers would use about 400 gallons of water, but the water must be recycled. He said building height would be similar to warehouses and described the sound generated by the facilities as “a humming noise.”

Backenstoe asked board members to submit any edits to the draft.

“Send me your edits, I can have it ready in a week and then send it to the Planning Commission,” he said. “We could advertise and then have a hearing in August.”

The board agreed to move forward with the review process.

Resident Mark Krajci raised concerns about e-bikes and motorized scooters in township parks, particularly near playgrounds.

“I’ve been a cyclist for 50 years,” Krajci said. “I am concerned about the 5 to 12-year-olds playing at the playground at Indian Trail. I’m afraid they might get run down by the e-bikes and scooters that have the motor by the older children.”

Krajci said while many of the devices are limited to speeds of 20 mph, some users modify them to go faster.

He noted Pennsylvania law requires riders to be at least 16 years old and said neighboring states have stricter rules.

“New Jersey requires state registration, a special license or driver’s license, and mandatory helmet use,” Krajci said. “I think Pennsylvania will follow with this. We need signs in all the parks with the rules of what is allowed and what is not.”

The board agreed signage should be considered.

Supervisors also addressed questions from the June 9 meeting regarding why the lower ballfield at Danielsville Park remains locked. Supervisor Janet Sheats asked whether the township had the authority to close the field.

“Absolutely you can,” Backenstoe said. “You can close down any part of your facilities.”

Township Manager Alice Rehrig said the township’s insurance carrier confirmed the closure was allowed.

Board President Mike Jones said the field was locked because of ongoing vandalism.

“We locked the field because for a year and a half there had been vandalism,” Jones said. “Dogs were running on the fields digging holes, going to the bathroom, someone tore down the fence, tore down signs. The ballfield was getting wrecked. The upper field is open.”

The board also approved an extension request from Lehigh Valley Resort and Spa for plan recording through Aug. 26, 2027.

Engineer Nicole Gallio of Jandl provided an update on construction progress.

“The digging for the tanks is going well,” Gallio said. “We are set up with top soil. The contractor is working through the interiors of the new and existing buildings. The sewer tanks are in the ground at 25 feet. The bottom of the tanks have concrete to anchor them.”

Rehrig said she provided the board with a draft five-year budget and expects to present a final plan at the end of the July regular meeting.

She also said the township will conduct interviews for the police sergeant position at the next meeting.

Resident Zach Stokes announced informational meetings on land preservation will be held at 7 p.m. on July 20 and Aug. 17 at Blue Mountain Fish and Game, 4190 Wood Dr., Walnutport.