WILKES-BARRE, PA — A Luzerne County judge ruled Tuesday that the Salem Township Planning Commission violated Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act by effectively locking out the public during a July 13 meeting held to discuss zoning ordinance changes for a proposed third data center in the municipality.
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge Lesa S. Gelb issued the ruling in response to a civil complaint filed by eight local residents. According to court filings, members of the public arrived at the Salem Township Municipal Building only to find the main doors locked due to an overflow crowd inside.
While township officials set up an auxiliary room for those unable to fit into the main meeting space, the lawsuit alleged that numerous residents were turned away at the door entirely, preventing them from observing the proceedings or offering public comment.
Judge Gelb ordered the Salem Township Planning Commission to hold a second, fully accessible public meeting to ensure community members have proper notice and opportunity to provide input regarding the proposed data center zoning modifications.
