Community cheers after Upper Merion leaders deny data center proposal

The Upper Merion Board of Supervisors voted to deny a proposal for a new data center in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, a decision that was met with applause and cheers from community residents. The proposed development, championed by developer Brian O'Neill, called for five sites encompassing approximately 4.6 million square feet of data center space.

An attorney representing O'Neill argued that the plan complied with county development requirements and sought more time to advance the project. However, supervisors rejected the proposal, citing insufficient detail in the submitted information to warrant approval. Before the vote, dozens of residents spoke out, expressing concerns about potential environmental, health, and quality of life impacts on the community.

Following the board's decision, O'Neill stated his belief that the outcome was predetermined and indicated that his lawyers would pursue an appeal. He asserted that the board did not follow proper processes and suggested that comments made by politically motivated supervisors during the meeting would be used in the appeal filing. O'Neill has consistently defended the project, projecting it would generate over $50 million annually in local tax revenue and support an estimated 15,000 jobs.