The Township is aware of misinformation and confusion circulating on social media regarding newly adopted ordinances within the municipality. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the facts and encourage residents to stay informed through official sources.

First and foremost, all Township Board of Supervisors meetings are public, recorded, and available for viewing. Meeting minutes, ordinances, and supporting documents are also posted on the Township’s official website. Residents are strongly encouraged to review these materials to obtain accurate and complete information.

At the April 8th Board meeting, the Township Solicitor provided a detailed explanation of several topics following public comment, including the purpose and legal framework of the recently adopted ordinances. These explanations build upon discussions that have occurred over multiple prior meetings.

It is important to clarify that no formal land development plan or application for a data center (or similar use) has been submitted to the Township. The ordinances recently adopted are proactive regulatory measures, designed to establish clear standards in the event that such a proposal is submitted in the future. Without these regulations in place, development could occur with significantly fewer restrictions.

The adopted ordinances address a wide range of considerations, including but not limited to:

• Noise and vibration controls
• Lighting standards
• Environmental protections
• Water and electrical infrastructure impacts
• Decommissioning requirements

These regulations are substantially more comprehensive than earlier drafts. They reflect feedback received from residents and represent the extent of what can be implemented within the bounds of applicable law.

The Township recognizes that there are differing opinions regarding appropriate locations for data center uses. These matters have been discussed extensively during public meetings, including the challenges and constraints associated with alternative locations within the Township.

Additionally, the Township is required to operate within established state and federal legal frameworks. Decisions made by the Board must comply with these laws. Actions that fall outside of legal authority—regardless of public sentiment—can expose the Township to legal challenges, which may result in significant financial consequences and ultimately impact taxpayers.

We respectfully encourage all residents to seek out accurate information by reviewing official Township materials and attending or viewing public meetings. Informed and constructive participation is vital to maintaining a transparent and effective local government.

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to our community.

Draft Overlay District Ordinance - Presented at the April 8, 2026 Public Hearing. 
Draft Data Center Regulation Ordinance - Presented at the April 8, 2026 Public Hearing. 
Power Point - Presented at the April 8, 2026 Public Hearing. 
See the April 8th meeting video on YouTube - Channel Name: @EastManchesterTownship 

**Please view the informational documents provided and overview below**

At the April 8, 2026 Public Hearing, the board approved the Overlay and Data Center Regulations to ensure that if a plan gets submitted then it is regulated for public health, safety and welfare regulations. TO BE CLEAR, NO PLAN PROPOSALS RELATED TO DATA CENTERS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE TOWNSHIP. The ordinances are to be proactive. Background: At the October 21, 2025 Public Hearing, the Board passed Curative Amendment Resolution No. 2025-14, which gives 180 days from the date passed to amend the ordinances and fix the defects within the previously proposed draft ordinances. The currently proposed updates address important factors such as water usage, electric capacity, and environmental safeguards. The amendments will also ensure that all applicable environmental agencies are involved in the review of any proposed data center project, along with other key requirements to help protect the health, safety, and quality of life of our residents. Additionally, at the November 11, 2025 Board of Supervisor meeting, the board took formal action to no longer include the Golf Course on Board Road. At the December 16, 2025 Special Meeting, the board took action to create an overlay district over the York Farmers Bank Property off of Gravel Hill Road (26-000-MI-0148.00-00000 and  26-000-MI-0148.A0-00000). At the February 10, 2026 Board meeting, parcels 26-000-01-0113.00-00000, 26,000-MI-0051.B0-00000, and 26-000MI-0051.C0-00000 were added to the overlay district to reduce the chances of a spot zoning argument. Thank you.

Public Meeting Questions and Answers – From the October 21, 2025 Public Hearing. Thank you for being patient as there were so many questions from this meeting that the Township wanted to make sure they were all fully and correctly answered. Thank you.

PowerPoint from the Public Meeting – This PowerPoint was presented by Attorney Andrew Miller, Esq. at the October 21, 2025 Public Hearing.

Data Center Flyer – This flyer was created prior to the October 21, 2025 meeting and distributed at that meeting. This is an informational that includes an overview of questions, answers, and legalities.

PSTATS Video – Addresses staying ahead of new uses.

Township Meetings Live Stream Link (<– click here)

This link will take you to the page for agendas, minutes, and budget for the Board of Supervisors: Link

You may check the Township Calendar for meeting dates here (Website) or a PDF Calendar.

All Public Meetings held at the Township Building has a maximum capacity of 82 people which is set per the Fire Safety Building Codes per the size of the Meeting Room.

The East Manchester Township Board of Supervisors are providing viewing access to its meeting via live streaming on youtube.com. Channel Name @EastManchesterTownship (See link above). This will allow the public to view the Board of Supervisors meeting live and will store on YouTube for a controlled amount of time. The meeting link will not allow public participation nor the submission of questions or comments. If any citizen would like to provide public comment during a meeting, they are encouraged to attend the meeting in person. The Township cannot guarantee that there will not be interruptions in the link or recording due to technical difficulties or failures. To ensure full access to any meeting, citizens are encouraged to attend in person.

Each spring the Public Works Department sweeps the Township streets. Sweeping helps protect our waterways and keeps our neighborhoods clean and livable. Debris on the streets can clog storm drains and pollute our lakes and rivers. We respectfully request that you keep vehicles off the street during daytime hours, Monday thru Friday during this time. Crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping residential streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of sweeping. Thank you.

Spring street sweeping begins on Monday, March 9, 2026 and it takes about 5 weeks to complete.

Which streets will be swept?

All streets owned and adopted by the Township will be swept. Streets in new subdivisions under construction will be the responsibility of the subdivision developer. Private streets are the responsibility of the condominium/townhouse development owner.

How can residents help?

To provide efficient and quick sweeping, our equipment needs to get to the curb without obstructions. Please observe the following:

• Avoid Monday to Friday daytime parking on your street if possible.
• Do not put your garbage/recycling/yard waste containers on the street.
• Please do not place leaves or yard waste within the street. You will receive an enforcement notice for this.
• Small stones on the curb and sidewalks, can be swept onto the street.
• Safety is important for everyone, so please watch children carefully when sweepers are on the roadway.

When will the sweeping be finished?

The spring street sweeping program typically takes about 4-5 weeks to complete and could be delayed by cold or wet weather, parked vehicles or excessive amounts of winter anti-skid material.

Your cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated!

Columbia Gas Flyer

Columbia Gas’ Contractor, Utility Services Group, is in East Manchester Township televising sanitary and storm lines, looking for natural gas bores. Please see the flyer (above) for more information and contact information. Thank you.

Core Bores Information

Email Address: cpacrossbore@nisource.com

Or if you believe you have a cross bore, call 1-888-460-4332

• Volunteer Services Tax Refund Program Ordinance – This ordinance incentivizes individuals to join and be retained with the local volunteer fire companies that directly service East Manchester Township. 2024 was the first application year that was reimbursed in 2025. In 2025, Township has amended the ordinance and cleaned up the application process to hopefully make the process smoother.
• DCED Study for Fire Services – The Township initiated and combined efforts with both Manchester and Mount Wolf Boroughs, a study of fire services from DCED. The study is in process.
• AV System and Live Streaming – 2025 was the first full year with the AV equipment and live streaming of the Board of Supervisor meetings. Toward the end of the year, the Board of Supervisors authorized live streaming of the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings, which are held as needed. Additionally, the videos are stored on YouTube @EastManchesterTownship at an attempt to keep the videos for at least a year or until the storage capacity on YouTube is reached.
• LSA Grant for a Fleet Vehicle – The Township was awarded a grant exceeding $45,000.00 to purchase a fleet vehicle for staff. The funds and purchase will occur within 2026.
• York County Regional Police Department Merge with Spring Garden Township – The supervisors appointed to the police commission was a part of a merger that was finalized within 2025. This helped keep police costs down for East Manchester. This account line item did increase due to additional PPU (time spent within the Township).
• Noise Ordinance Amendment – The Township consulted with a sound engineer, Paxwood Acoustics, to update the noise ordinance and place proactive land development requirements.
• Ordinances to provide for the use of Data Center and create restrictions for Data Centers – The process began in the Spring of 2025 and after public feedback the board continues to work through this process into 2026 under a Curative Amendment Resolution.
• School Zone Speed Limit Study and Ordinance – The Township combined efforts with Manchester Borough to study and provide for an ordinance enforceable by police from High Street to Board Road; 300 feet South of intersection of High Street and E. Parkview Road; and 300 feet North of intersection of Board Road and Meeting House Road.
• 3-Way Stop Sign Study and Ordinance for Manchester Street and Canal Road Ext. Intersection – A resident made a request that the Township conduct a study to see if a stop sign is warranted at the above-mentioned intersection. The study determined that the third stop sign is warranted and implemented this project.
• Rezoning from Industrial to Commercial Zoning District on Forge Hill Road – The Township received a petition to rezone a Vacant Parcel on Forge Hill Road, UPI # 26-000-MI-0120.X0.00000, owned by Beshore and Koller from Industrial (I) District to Commercial (C) District. The applicant wishes to expand the existing car lot business into the vacant lot for the purpose of parking additional inventory. This was approved and an ordinance implemented.
• North Sherman St. Ext. PennDOT and Township Project – Though this is still not complete, the Township has made progress with PennDOT by obtaining the permits for the pipe project along N. Sherman St. Ext. at the Sherman Oaks area. The permits and plans are in the hands of PennDOT. Work should begin in 2026.
• Willow Springs Cul-de-sac – The Township completed the first phase of the Willow Springs Cul-de-sac with future intent to restrict traffic to Bartlett Drive and then to the traffic signal at Espresso Way. Espresso Way permitting with PennDOT is in process.
• Orchard Business Park Phase II Lot 2 Final LD Plan – This plan was conditionally approved and is awaiting closure of all conditions prior to recording.
• Final Minor Subdivision Plan for Rebekah A. Gross – Jerusalem School Road – This plan was conditionally approved and is awaiting closure of all conditions prior to recording.
• Plan Withdraw of Americold 60 Steamboat Blvd. Drop-Lot/285 Steamboat Blvd. Building Expansion – Both plans were formally withdrawn by Americold due to being financially unfeasible.
• Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Trade Center 83 East on Zions View Road – This plan was submitted, reviewed several times by Planning Commission and staff and has attended one Board of Supervisor meeting, but not yet approved.
• Manchester Street Project – Manchester Street was paved. Improvements to this road were previously funded by DHL as a contribution.
• Micro Surfacing – Park Street, Canal Road Ext., and Brickyard Drive were all micro surfaced.
• Chestnut Street Bridge Repairs – The bridge on Chestnut Street was in need of repairs.
• Leaves Collected – The Township Public Works Department collected and disposed of 680 cubic yards from the Township Residents.
• Budget – The Township held quarterly financial reviews to ensure the township budget was on track and to access if there were excess funds to pay toward the loan taken out in 2024. The Board agreed to continue the quarterly financial review meetings within 2026. At the October 22, 2025, Annual Budget Meeting, Township staff presented a proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors for review and discussion. Prior to adopting any changes, both staff and the Board conducted an extensive, line-by-line review of the budget to identify possible savings and ensure responsible spending. Through this detailed examination, the Board reduced nearly $800,000 in proposed expenses, lowering the initial $1.3 million deficit to approximately $600,000. This process followed a Financial Review Meeting, where the Year-to-Date Income Statement was analyzed in depth. During that review, the Board and staff examined all accounts that were close to or over budget due to unforeseen expenses such as increased utility costs, higher insurance premiums, winter road salt expenses, and road sign replacements resulting from damages.
• Fire Hydrant Tax Elimination and Real Estate Tax Increase from 1.04 mills to 2.00 mills – Following both the above-mentioned reviews, the Board and staff engaged in a careful and data-driven discussion regarding a potential real estate tax increase. Several millage rate options were reviewed to determine the most responsible and sustainable path forward. For more than six years, the Township has relied on prior-year surpluses to balance the budget and offset annual shortfalls. In past years, residential and industrial growth helped support the Township’s finances and allowed the local real estate tax rate to remain unchanged for over 20 years. However, while growth has stabilized, operating costs have continued to rise due to inflation, increased service demands, and higher material and insurance costs. Despite these financial pressures, the Township has demonstrated strong fiscal discipline—reducing overall spending from $8.5 million to $6.2 million over the past three years (2022-2025) through careful management and cost control. After completing both reviews and making substantial reductions, the staff and a majority of the Board of Supervisors determined that a 2.0 millage rate should be established and that the Fire Hydrant Tax be eliminated. Under this plan, fire hydrant costs will be paid from the General Fund, ensuring that the expense is shared equitably among all residents, since all benefit from the availability of fire protection services.

Proposed Tax Increase – Public Flyer – Updated – This is the updated flyer as a result of the October 22, 2025 Financial Review and Budget Meetings. The Tax Resolution was adopted on November 11, 2025.

Link to the Budget Meeting Summary, Budget, and Live Videos on the Board of Supervisors Page

Though the Township posts their minutes on the website, which is more than the law requires, they cannot legally be posted or make publicly available until Board approval at the next regular meeting. However, the Township has been live streaming their Board of Supervisor’s meeting since January 2025. You may visit East Manchester Township’s YouTube Channel @EastManchesterTownship to view the content.

LINK TO THE STREAMED VIDEOS

Beginning November 2025, the Township will also begin to stream Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings. The Township is currently under a free account with YouTube with limited data storage, therefore, with more meetings streaming, the Township will begin to delete the oldest videos. Streaming the meetings are also not a legal requirement that the Township goes above and beyond for transparency.

Please know that with technology comes problems and in order to avoid issues with a streamed meeting, we recommend you attend the actual meeting.

Lastly, there are positions open on Planning Commission for Alternates and we would like to begin securing one or two people with interest to serve on Zoning Hearing Board. Also, Recreation Board desperately needs members as there are currently two members serving. Please let the Township Manager know if you are interested or have any questions at emantwp@emanchestertwp.com. Thank you.

All informational posts are at this link: Click Here