Photo: Khanchit Khirisutchalual / iStock / Getty Images
The Lancaster City Council will vote tonight on a Community Benefits Agreement with Chirisa Technology for two planned data centers. The agreement, announced by Mayor Danene Sorace, includes commitments to use 100% clean electricity and recycled water for cooling. If the data centers use other energy sources, Chirisa will pay penalties into a city environmental fund. Mayor Sorace emphasized that these would be the only data centers in Lancaster due to space limitations.
The agreement, which is valid for 20 years, involves a $20 million investment in local grant programs. Half of this amount will support economic development, while the other half will fund sustainable development and clean energy initiatives. The Lancaster County Community Foundation will manage the economic development funds. The sustainability fund will support the city's climate action and comprehensive plans, with potential projects including solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades.
The data centers, located at Greenfield Road and Harrisburg Pike, have faced opposition over environmental concerns. Despite this, the agreement allows the centers to proceed without additional zoning hearings, provided development plans are submitted within two years. The centers must use clean energy for their first 10 years, with penalties for non-compliance. If they fail to use at least 60% clean energy, they will not be allowed to operate.
The agreement also includes noise regulations and a local hiring plan, with each campus expected to employ 150 people. Developers must create a website for public updates on construction and operations. The council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in the Nelson M. Polite Sr. council chambers.