Glenolden's Data Center Resolution, Turner Apartments Heads Toward a Lien, and a Water Main Buckles the Road

New environmental resolution to combat Data Centers

Council member Julie Auerbach-Pfaff introduced a new environmental resolution (06-2026) aimed at keeping data centers out of Glenolden. The measure received strong support from Andy Sharpe, who expressed deep concern that a large parcel of land at 500 South Ridgeway Avenue could be targeted. That same parcel was previously slated for a controversial car recycling center that sparked a community petition earlier this year.

Council enacted the resolution during the meeting.

The resolution doesn’t name data centers, but it applies to any development or redevelopment of one acre or more in the borough. And that includes construction, renovation, stormwater work, and other accessory uses. Any of those projects now have to submit an Environmental Impact Statement with its application or permit request.

At a minimum, their submission has to explain how the project complies with existing borough ordinances, including zoning and health.

The resolution doesn’t set environmental standards on its own. It authorizes borough officials and the solicitor to draft rules, regulations, or ordinances to carry it out.

Brian Razzi mentioned that the resolution will be the foundation for their eventual ordinance.

Operation Safe Stop kicks off

Operation Safe Stop officially kicked off on October 21, putting local police on high alert for motorists illegally passing school buses with flashing lights. Alongside 517 logged calls to service and 133 parking tickets issued, officials issued a reminder to lock car doors. The warning comes after a vehicle was stolen because the keys were left inside.

Meanwhile, unusual transit hiccups continued last weekend on the 16th, when a driver accidentally drove onto the train tracks at West Amosland Road after following GPS instructions. Borough officials noted that this sort of navigational mishap actually happens about three to four times a year.

Trash, Recycling & Utilities

With current trash and recycling contracts officially expired, the borough is taking them out to bid, though costs are expected to rise due to fuel prices. Residents and officials offered high praise for B&L, commending the crew because "they always take the big trash."

On the utilities front, the solicitor successfully negotiated an RCN franchise renewal fee similar to those in neighboring towns, ensuring municipalities receive their entitled franchise dues from cable providers. However, infrastructure took center stage following a massive water main break on the morning of October 17. Aqua is handling the break and cleanup while the borough inspects and clears its drain lines. The incident was severe enough to cause sewer lines to overflow, push up manhole covers, and buckle the roadway.

Fees, Fines & Commercial Properties

Borough discussions are underway regarding adjustments to fees and fines, with a focus on shifting the weight onto commercial properties rather than residents; a memo from the solicitor's office is expected soon. Officials highlighted that current fines are frequently cheaper for businesses than actually fixing underlying problems. CVS and Dollar Tree were specifically called out regarding persistent trash and lawn care issues, with officials noting that "Dollar Tree is the worst business (in terms of getting cited & fines) we have in Glenolden."

Turner Apartments is getting a lien

The Turner Apartments remain unoccupied as the saga surrounding the property drags on. The building was condemned on November 9th, 2025 after a massive emergency response found natural gas leaks, a flooded basement, high carbon monoxide levels, and an overheating boiler. Brian Razzi reported that the owners have continuously failed to make necessary repairs or apply for required permits, while also racking up a massive bill from Lewis Environmental for the basement cleanup. In response to the mounting violations and unpaid bills, the borough solicitor is reportedly preparing to place a lien on the property.