Upper Merion Township residents pack meeting to oppose data center development plan
Residents in Upper Merion Township packed a planning commission meeting to voice strong opposition to MLP Ventures' proposed multi-site data center development, which would bring over 4 million square feet of facilities to Upper Merion and West Conshohocken. Concerns were raised about the project's scale, environmental impacts, and the developer's tax payment history, while supporters highlighted potential job creation. No decision was made at the meeting, with further public hearings expected.
Hundreds of Upper Merion Township residents attended a Planning Commission meeting at Freedom Hall on Wednesday night, vehemently opposing a proposed multi-site data center development by MLP Ventures. The project would encompass over 4 million square feet of facilities across five locations in Upper Merion and West Conshohocken.
During the meeting, Brian O'Neill, CEO of MLP Ventures, presented details of the proposal, asserting that the data centers would utilize a closed-loop water system, adhere to noise regulations, and be "dark sky approved" to minimize light pollution. O'Neill also emphasized the significant tax revenue the project could generate for the township, stating it could "take a great thing and maybe make it a little better."
However, residents expressed deep skepticism. Upper Merion Tax Collector Evelyn Ankers publicly questioned the developer's track record, noting that businesses tied to MLP Ventures had allegedly failed to pay taxes on time, a comment that garnered loud applause. Other residents, like Jessica Gambino, voiced strong environmental concerns, claiming the data centers would "pollute waterways, they pollute land, they pollute air" and disputed the job and tax revenue claims.
Conversely, some attendees, including members of Steamfitters Local 420, supported the project, citing the potential for substantial construction jobs in the region. Orville Robinson of the union highlighted how such projects "put a lot of hours into our local union" and keep members employed. No decisions were made at the meeting, and the proposal is slated for a lengthy approval process involving additional public meetings.