PLAINS, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Plains Township officials are considering creating an energy and technology overlay zoning district that could accommodate potential data center and power generation projects.

The proposed overlay would encompass about 592 acres on the east side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, near where Jumper Road meets Westminster Road and Bald Mountain Road.

The proposed district represents roughly 7% of the township’s total land mass. Township officials emphasized that there are currently no data center applications before the township.

Tuesday night’s meeting was held for public comment, giving residents an opportunity to share their concerns about the proposed zoning changes. Officials did not vote on the proposal.

The township passed a curative amendment in April related to data centers, giving officials a six-month window to address how those facilities are handled under the township’s zoning regulations before a potential data center proposal could be submitted.

The area being considered is currently within conservation district lands.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, attorney Justin Richards spoke on behalf of a township resident. Richards has also represented the Stop Archbald data center group, which has raised more than $65,000.

Richards said the proposed location is close to residential properties along Westminster Road and Old Pittston Boulevard.

He argued that allowing data centers and associated power generation in the area could significantly change the character of the surrounding community. Richards also pointed to the area’s proximity to power transmission infrastructure, saying that could make the location attractive to potential developers.

He said the proposed overlay would not simply allow a large data center campus, but could encourage one to be developed there.

Several residents who spoke Tuesday said they bought their properties because they wanted to live in the area and expressed concern about the possibility of a large industrial development nearby.

Sara Woolard questioned the proposed language regarding decommissioning.

“It does have a decommissioning reference, but it’s only for solar,” Woolard said. “Should a data center or power plant come through, there is no reference to decommissioning planning on that.”

She asked township officials to address what would happen to a data center or power plant if the facility were eventually shut down.

Patricia McGarry asked township supervisors to consider how they would feel if a similar development were proposed near their own homes.

“I would just ask that each of you before making the decision to consider if you were in our position, would you feel the same way as we do?” McGarry said. “I can’t imagine that any one of you would not be upset, concerned, and not want this in your backyard. These imminent dangers are real.”

Sarah McGarry said she purchased property in the area seven years ago with plans to build her dream home.

She said she would not have made that investment if she had known a potential data center overlay could eventually be proposed nearby.

“We built our dream home,” McGarry said. “The valuation of our property at this time of closing five years ago was 1.2 million and it is now zero because no one will buy it with the mere rumor of a nearby overlay data center in this proposed area.”

Charlie Adonizio also spoke about the impact he believes the proposal could have on residents who have invested in their homes and land.

“It’s just not fair that we put our time, our money, and our lives into living up there and in one fell swoop it can be taken away,” Adonizio said.

The township did not take action on the proposed overlay Tuesday night.

Officials said the proposal remains an ongoing process, with additional amendments, introductions and meetings expected before the township considers a potential vote.