South Strabane Township Supervisors heard testimony for three hours from approximately 100 people gathered at the Fire Hall on Oaks Springs Road and dozens more on line regarding the draft version of their ordinance governing data centers. Solicitor Dennis Makel conducted the public hearing. He began by demonstrating on a map the boundaries of the land. He said that the property is being marketed as 1400 acres, but 200 acres are not available for development as that land is located across Interstate 70. After all setbacks are incorporated, Makel says the land available to build is approximately 736 acres. Highlights of the draft ordinance call for 1000 foot setbacks, noise and light control requirements and noise testing. Public opinion was varied with several calling for an outright ban of data centers. Makel cautioned the audience that banning them is illegal. Several area trade organizations touted land owners CNX Corporation as a company willing to work with residents. Others spoke of the construction jobs that would be created. Residents were quick to point out that the data centers, once they are built, will actually, employ very few people. Washington County Real Estate Agent Dorothy Walsko indicated that changes in home appraisal practices, coming in November, will take into account the view and noise of a neighborhood, probably lowering a homes market value. Resident Kathy Pienkowski stated that according to the New York Times, $156 billion in data center investment is being held up by educated residents, a statistic that has Wall Street investors concerned that the trillion dollar promises from data center developers may be in question. Makel says comment from the public hearing could introduce tweaks in the current ordinance.