Middlesex Township approves first phase of 16-building data center project
Middlesex Township supervisors in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, approved the first phase of a 16-building data center project, despite nearly four hours of public comment from concerned residents. The decision allows for six new data center buildings as part of what is described as the largest data center project proposed in the state. Supervisors based their decision on legal standards and also approved a Community Benefits Agreement and a side letter imposing additional requirements on the developer, including noise monitoring, water quality testing, and emissions testing.
Middlesex Township supervisors in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, have approved the initial phase of a large data center development, paving the way for six new buildings as part of a proposed 16-building complex. The project, described as the biggest data center proposal in the state to date, received approval from two supervisors after a third recently resigned.
The decision followed two postponements and nearly four hours of public comment, largely from residents expressing frustration and opposition. Concerns were raised about existing noise from substation construction, potential impacts on wildlife, and the health of local residents. Residents like Sarah Merritt described construction noise as "extremely loud," and Earl Beam stated, "You see the turnout, the crowds we get, we want it stopped."
Despite the strong opposition, supervisors stated their decision was based solely on legal requirements for land development plans rather than personal preference. In conjunction with the approval, the board passed a "Community Benefits Agreement" requesting $14 million from the developer for the township. They also approved a side letter mandating additional developer requirements such as noise monitoring, water quality testing, and emissions testing to address environmental concerns.