Weatherly Borough Council accepted land from NorthPoint Development, a firm seeking to develop data center complexes in the region, including ones in Packer and Banks townships.

Council briefly discussed the offer before a closed-door session to discuss an agreement for the land on Monday night.

Mayor/Council President Mike Bellizia explained that the land, two tracts totaling 64 acres, is along Plane Street going up the hill side and would not be for a data center but rather be a buffer for the borough from development.

Council previously took no action on land acquisition from NorthPoint, because the agreement placed a conservation easement on the land that required the developer’s consent to do anything with the land.

That conservation easement has now been removed, which would allow the borough to use the land which would likely only be good for recreation, Solicitor James Nanovic said.

“It’s not like we can do anything with the property,” he said. “If you’re to use it for anything, it’d be walking trails, not much else.”

The borough’s cost would be recording the deed and the transfer tax, which would be a couple of thousand dollars, Nanovic said.

“But again, you’re getting a sizable piece of property,” he said.

A representative from NorthPoint, Brian Stahl, attended Monday’s council meeting and explained that the intention of the transfer of land was a pure donation and that the firm is not looking to develop the land.

“We’re looking to donate it,” he said. “The borough can put it for recreation use. The conservation easement language was removed, as that created more confusion than was good.”

“We trust the municipality in doing with it the right thing for the community,” Stahl said.

Council approved a resolution to accept the land following an executive session at the end of the meeting. Council is allowed to meet behind closed doors to discuss land acquisitions.

Council also planned to discuss personnel in the executive session.