At the Northampton Borough Council meeting Sept. 3, council approved a request to advertise ordinance 1244 that amends the borough zoning ordinance to define and add specific requirements for data centers and data center accessory uses and to provide provisions for uses not provided for in the ordinance.

Data centers are being planned and beginning development. This rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has triggered a backlash against new data center construction, with reportedly about 70% of Americans opposing local projects due to concerns over high utility bills, environmental damage and resource strain.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman expressed concerns about data centers’ reported electricity usage. Solicitor Stephanie Steward explained the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan consortium will be working together to address the impact of data centers if they develop in the group’s municipalities. The members of the River Central group are Northampton; East Allen Township; Hanover Township, Lehigh County; North Catasauqua; and Catasauqua.

All ordinances can be accessed by visiting northamptonboro.com or calling the borough office.

The borough Civil Service Commission received and thoroughly reviewed 14 applications submitted by individuals seeking appointment to the position of police patrol officer. Council approved the list at the recommendation of the Civil Service Commission.

Police Chief Bryan Kadingo requested and received approval to hire Callen Rich as a patrol officer, pending the successful completion of a background investigation, medical examination and drug screening.

Kadingo also recommended an officer to attend a narcotics investigator training hosted in Ocean County, Md. The course is scheduled for Sept. 21-24.

The cost of the course and hotel room will be paid for by the Northampton County Drug Task Force. The cost to the borough will be for two workdays.

Council approved the training attendance.

Council approved holding trick or treat 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. They further deemed trick or treat will always be held Oct. 31, no matter what day of the week the holiday falls on.

In the hearing of persons present agenda item, a Scout from Troop 93 requested permission to pursue an Eagle Scout project to refurbish the veterans area at Canal Street Park. He plans to power-wash the area, develop flower beds and provide an upgrade to properly and deservedly honor the veterans.

The next borough council meeting is 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to review the meeting’s agenda and to access the meeting virtually.