07/17/2026
Let me start out by stating that this is not political and should not be interpreted as critical to the esteemed Jefferson County Commissioners. This is just a concerned citizen/voter who has a suggestion for action that the Commissioners coordinate a county wide response including every governing Borough on a unified action plan to make Jefferson county unattractive to the establishment of data centers. Anti data center development is clearly a bipartisan issue uniting Jefferson County residents. Each individual Borough is not equipped to develop adequate zoning language which could ward off the beast before a foothold or proposal develops. However, the legal fees for the work of a single qualified professional organization could be shared by all Boroughs who can each use the same legal language in every Borough. This action would unite the County and make a template that would suit the entire County and possibly help other boroughs outside the county struggling with the same issue. There is information out there of others who have succeeded in this same cause. This is not only a Jefferson County problem it is one that is being addressed nation wide. I have no doubt that should our Commissioners reach out to Commissioners and Boroughs from other areas in the USA with relevant experience and develop a best practices package including which professional firms which were successful in fighting back against data center development (who at this point would have a boiler plate for these legal actions) would be able to provide assistance for a more reasonable rate than ones starting cold. In a nutshell, my request for consideration from the Jefferson County Commissioners, recognizing the importance of this issue to all County residents, is to take the leadership role in the positions they were elected to and be proactive in creating a solution rather than kicking the proverbial can down the road. Recognizing your limitations of authority, while realizing the positive effect your leadership role could produce resulting in a powerful and positive impact on the quality of life of every single Jefferson County Man, woman and child. I can not imagine a more noble quest for and elected politician. Please help; we need you!!!!!
Jefferson County Will Not Impose Data Center Moratorium, Commissioners Say
BROOKVILLE — Jefferson County commissioners will not pursue a county-wide moratorium on data centers, according to Commissioner Scott North.
Speaking at Tuesday's meeting, North said the county lacks the legal authority to implement such a measure and doing so could expose the county to legal challenges.
The county recently received requests from Brookville and Falls Creek boroughs seeking a county-wide moratorium. Brookville Borough enacted its own six-month moratorium in June.
North said regulation of data centers and similar developments remains primarily the responsibility of local municipalities through their zoning and land-use ordinances.
Jefferson County is currently developing a county-wide Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), which North said is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. However, he emphasized that the ordinance will not function as zoning and will not regulate where data centers can be located.
County officials are encouraging boroughs and townships to review their local ordinances and work with planning professionals and solicitors to address concerns involving data centers and other high-impact development projects.
