A proposed large-scale data center on farmland in Conewago Township is drawing both support and strong opposition, highlighting a growing debate in York County over economic development, energy demand, and the future of rural land.
At the center of the discussion is a 541-acre property owned by local farmer Jim Rexroth, who says the site is uniquely suited for a data center. The land, located along Bowers Bridge Road, is intersected by major electrical transmission lines and sits near existing fiber optic and natural gas infrastructure—key requirements for modern data facilities.
Rexroth argues the property is not prime farmland and has become increasingly difficult to farm profitably. He says development of some kind is inevitable and believes a data center could have less impact than alternatives like large housing developments or warehouses.
“I’m not a data center advocate,” Rexroth said in public remarks, emphasizing that he wants any project to balance economic benefits with environmental responsibility and community impact.
Community pushback grows
Despite those assurances, many residents have voiced strong concerns. At a packed township planning meeting in 2025, dozens of community members spoke against the proposal, citing fears about noise, environmental damage, and the loss of rural character.
Some residents also worry about the massive electricity demands of data centers, questioning whether increased demand could drive up local utility costs. Others raised concerns about water usage and potential impacts on nearby wildlife and quality of life.
“It is a true slice of heaven,” one nearby homeowner said of the rural landscape, expressing concern that a data center would fundamentally change the area.
Zoning and development questions
The proposal would require changes to local zoning laws to allow a data center on land currently designated for agricultural use. The request, submitted in partnership with a development firm, has prompted township officials to weigh economic opportunities against residents’ concerns.
Conewago Township, home to just over 8,500 residents, has traditionally been a quiet, agricultural community. The introduction of a major data facility would mark a significant shift in land use and development patterns.
Broader debate across Pennsylvania
The controversy in Conewago Township reflects a wider conversation happening across Pennsylvania, where demand for data centers is rising rapidly due to growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
State leaders, including Governor Josh Shapiro, have acknowledged both the economic potential of data centers and the strain they can place on power grids and natural resources. Policymakers are increasingly examining how to regulate energy usage, infrastructure expansion, and environmental impacts tied to the industry.
Across York County, multiple sites have been proposed or discussed for data center development in recent years, signaling that the Conewago project is part of a broader regional trend.
What comes next
Rexroth is expected to present more details and answer questions at an upcoming township planning commission meeting, as officials continue to evaluate whether to move forward with zoning changes.
For now, the future of the proposed data center remains uncertain—but the debate has already underscored the tension between preserving rural landscapes and accommodating the infrastructure demands of a digital economy.
