Data Center Concerns
SLR Noise Study completed for Hummelstown Project at request of developer and
our depiction of how it fits in the draft data center overlay boundary.
Figure B-1 from SLR Hummelstown Project Noise Study
Depicts (8) data center buildings, generator yards, 300’ right of way (R.O.W.), retaining ponds, guard shacks, and roadways. It appears primary access is through Wagner St and Pennsy Supply Rd.
We prepared this overlay to depict Figure B-1 as it would appear on the draft Data Center Overlay (outlined in red).
The Red shaded section depicts only the quarry parcel. We will continue to advocate that the residential parcels be removed from the overlay and only the quarry parcel be allowed for industrial use as per current zoning
August 8, 2026: On June 8, 2026, HCI submitted a document to the Board showing a proposed layout of 8 data center buildings and a substation across the full overlay area, including the residential parcels. This is the only site plan currently in the public record showing how HCI has proposed using the overlay. It was part of the Noise Study for HCI’s Hummelstown Project.
Timeline, per Right to Know and public Board of Supervisors meeting minutes*:
• June 8, 2026: The Board received the Noise Study from HCI via email
• June 9, 2026:
o Motion to table the Ordinance pending revisions. Motion passed (5-0)
o Motion to approve ATCS Acoustical Engineer to provide services on an hourly basis Motion passed (5-0)
• June 23, 2026: For Zoning Hearing purposes, ATCS item tabled. Motion passed 5-0.
• July 1, 2026: Motion to Approve Advertisement of Data Center Ordinance. Motion passed 5-0.
*Links to documents included below under Resources.
Comparing the numbers:
· Building height: 30’ (HCI’s plan) vs. 55’ max (§2205.1, advertised ordinance)
· Rooftop/mechanical height: 20’ vs. 15’ above roofline (§2205.1.B)
· Residential setback: 500’ vs. 400’ (§2203.2.F)
See below diagrams. Fig. 1 - The highlighted red portion reflects the quarry parcel, with the current data center overlay boundary outlined in red. The areas in yellow are additional parcels under contract by Hanover.
Fig B-1 is a page from the Noise Study (the full appendix is attached). This shows the 8 data center buildings, generator yards, 300’ R.O.W., retaining ponds, guard shacks, and roadways. It appears primary access is through Wagner St and Pennsy Supply Rd.
The Detailed Overlay (middle photo above) we created combines Fig 1 and Fig B-1 and the important features are outlined for easier viewing.
Municipalities are required to provide for a reasonable use of land, not the highest and best use. Referring to the map, three data center buildings and a substation could fit on the quarry parcel alone with a 500’ residential setback. That alone satisfies reasonable use.
HCI’s own document shows 8 buildings across the full overlay, which requires the residential parcels. We will continue to work toward removal of all residentially zoned parcels from the overlay.
We’ve sent the Board a request for clarification and will share their response when we receive it. If you have questions, we encourage reaching out to the Board directly at lwuestner@southhanover.org or at the next Board meeting.
Update August 11, 2026: Response from the Board of Supervisors
Resources:
HCI Email chain accompanying noise study (from RTK)
June 9th Board of Supervisor Minutes
June 23rd Board of Supervisors Minutes
July 1st Board of Supervisors Minutes
Disclaimer: This information was found in Right to Know documents. Individuals in the group have differing levels of input on this message, but there’s collective understanding that this is important information to pass along. Any opinions or interpretation beyond what is documented here, in public record and through RTK materials belongs to the individual who stated it, and not to the group as a whole.
Overlay Changes Farmland and Residentially Zoned Land to Industrial Use
The Draft Overlay includes both the Industrial Zoned quarry parcel (highlighted in red) and 4 residentially zoned parcels (Outlined in red).
We don't believe residentially zoned land and farmland should be used for industrial data center development.
The entire area outlined is property under contract by the Hanover Company.
THE BOARD AND ASK THAT ONLY INDUSTRIAL ZONED LAND BE USED FOR DATA CENTERS.
Diesel Exhaust Pollution
Diesel Generator Exhaust Fumes
A Health Issue - whether operating during a Power Outage or for 2 hours per day on a weekly testing basis as per the South Hanover Township draft ordinance.
(Photos from Ashburn, Virginia, July 4th weekend, diesel generators at a Digital Realty data center switched on as temperatures spiked)
Click HERE for sound and exhaust video.
Draft Violates PA Right To Know Law
Section 27-2211.7 Emergency Management states that emergency situations and occurrences shall be excluded from right-to-know. The Township has no authority to over-ride Right to Know laws. This is illegal.
No Community Benefit Agreement
A Community Benefit Agreement can include such things as the developer paying for all infrastructure upgrades, guaranteed tax revenue, contributions to a community development fund, specific fines and procedures for noise and other violations, a public dashboard with identifiable metrics, and more.