John Mack Newtown

Newtown EAC Focuses on Data Center Environmental Risks

The 8 June 2026 session of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) focused on the environmental risks of proposed data centers, the status of local ordinances, and ongoing park maintenance and wildlife protection.

Present at the meeting were members Mark Haber, Jan Filios, Eleanor Wolcott, Lee Gordon, and Peter Gilles. Also present was Elen Snyder, BOS Liaison to the EAC and John Mack who commented as a member of the public.

Data Center Ordinance & Environmental Risks

The council is prioritizing the regulation of data centers, specifically addressing noise pollution and water consumption.

  • Regulatory Strategy: A preliminary “placeholder” ordinance was drafted to prevent developers from securing permits before stricter guidelines are finalized. The jointure — Newtown, Wrightstown, and Upper Makefield — is working to strengthen these requirements.
  • Noise Standards: The current draft proposes a 50-decibel limit. There is a debate regarding the necessity of pre-construction versus post-construction noise testing to ensure compliance.
  • Environmental Impact: Significant concerns were raised regarding the “outrageous” amount of water required for cooling systems, especially given national drought trends. The council noted that other townships, including Upper Merion and West Rock Hill, have already moved toward stricter acreage requirements and higher standards.
  • Public Education: John Mack emphasized that while local papers have covered the topic, the EAC must educate the public on the specific technical protections within the ordinance once it is officially posted.

Data Center Acreage Requirements

Municipality / Proposal Minimum Acreage
Proposed Local Requirement 25 acres
Upper Merion 100 acres
West Rockhill 100 acres

Park Maintenance & Native Plants

The council reviewed the progress of the pollinator garden and general park health.

  • Pollinator Garden: Recent efforts focused on removing invasive “running birds” and dandelions. The “Native” program is transitioning to the next phase, with plants expected to take over as they bloom.
  • Infrastructure: Plans are underway to update the information cabinets and signage at the park to reflect new plantings and provide educational posters for visitors.
  • Solar Initiatives: John Mack is working with other supervisors to expedite solar projects to qualify for tax credits, approximately 40%, before upcoming deadlines.

Wildlife & Development Oversight

A new concern was introduced regarding a residential development on Lafayette Street.

  • Species Protection: A resident reported a fox den on the property. The council discussed whether the EAC should recommend that the Board of Supervisors require developers to protect or relocate local fauna, similar to existing tree replacement requirements.
  • Birdtown & Merlin: The council noted the success of the Merlin app in identifying local bird species and discussed the continued expansion of the “Birdtown” initiative.

Administrative Updates

  • New Membership: The Council welcomed new member Eleanor Wolcott – a recent graduate of Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Science degree and a focus on urban ecology and green infrastructure.
  • Communication: The Council discussed the importance of official minutes and communication protocols.
  • Right-to-Know: John Mack has an ongoing Right-to-Know request for the full text of the latest ordinance drafts to facilitate a detailed AI-driven analysis of the technical specifications.