Sharing for awareness for those in Harrington. City Council is presenting a proposed "data center ordinance" on [Monday August 17th, at 6:00PM at the Harrington Public Library](https://cityofharrington.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=4568). I'm using quotes there because the proposal doesn't do anything more than add data centers to the list of Conditional Uses within Manufacturing Zoned lots.

That brings with is some basic rules that would apply simply by virtue of landing in a Manufacturing zone, but it doesn't go anywhere near far enough to really address the problems with data center projects. "Data Center" doesn't actually get defined anywhere, nor does it capture reasonable setbacks, generator restrictions, utility considerations, cooling system requirements, or what to do about abandonment. IMO, the Ordinance here needs much more clarity around the rules, or residents need to tell Council to write up a Moratorium instead to buy more time to go about that. [Dover is actually considering that approach right now, AFAIK](https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/08/13/dover-data-center-moratorium-gains-steam-amid-statewide-concerns-over-the-industry/).

New Castle [County's Ordinance (25-101)](https://newcastlecode.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2420/files/attachment/11723) isn't completely perfect itself but is a much better example of getting the right guardrails lined up. Kent County also recently put rules on the books (LC26-06) and while better defined than what Harrington is proposing, still leaves more work to do.

If anyone is interested in attending and wants to talk in more detail, feel free to reach out. I'm not a Harrington resident myself, but trying to raise awareness so that folks aren't blindsided.

Harrington Council Proposes (Weak) Data Center Ordinance