FNN Article © Tuesday, September 16, 2026.
WELLSBORO, PA – The public hearing held by the Wellsboro Borough Council on Monday, September 14, 2026, was standing room only as residents were worried as to what exactly the council was going to change with their plans to amend their Data Center Zoning Ordinance for the borough.
Many in attendance were already ruffled as most were not aware of the Monday meeting, although it was legally advertised in the classified section of the local newspaper. Residents stated that they learned about the Monday meeting thanks to social media posts. FNN was lucky enough that a reader sent in the information about the meeting so we could get it out to our readers on Sunday evening, prior to the Monday’s meeting. Residents claimed that they need to be able to be better informed about these types of meetings, besides leaders simply advertising them only in the local newspaper (which is required by law).
According to Protect Tioga County Wilds Admin Kathryn Peters, residents want data center meetings advertised better and where people can see them. Put them on the radio, post them on social media, not just in the classified section of the newspaper.
Residents deserve to have a much better way to receive notices on such important meetings across Tioga County, as this is where we work, play, and live. Residents need to be aware of what is happening when it comes to these destructive data centers coming into their county. They want their leaders, council board members and township supervisors to keep them updated and stand up for them when it comes to zoning ordinances pertaining to data centers.
As for the meeting, it was quickly learned by those in attendance that Wellsboro Borough Council was setting stricter zoning ordinances for the protection of the borough by establishing definitions, adding standards and needed requirements for potential data centers in Wellsboro.
According to Wellsboro Borough Councilor Louis Prevost, by making such changes it should help strengthen the community against an industry that could have a negative impact on the local area.
FNN was told that the amendment had passed unanimously that evening by the council. Now that the newly amended zoning ordinance passed it requires all data centers to comply with the updated ordinances on water usage, light levels, and environmental impact.
Sadly the changes will NOT stop data centers from moving into Wellsboro, but the ordinance does require them to be built only in the Commercial Manufacturing District and they have to adhere to strict operating guidelines. It was noted that the council said they are still open to further suggestions, but overall they wanted to pass the latest update and have them in place now in order to help protect the Borough.
Hopefully if there is a future meeting for any additional changes to the zoning ordinances, the public will be made more aware of them by the Borough. Same with all boroughs, townships and leaders, make sure the public has free access to notices of these meetings. There is social media and even the Penny Saver that people receive for free, as not everyone buys the local paper every week.
