Another night of questions as data center developer rests its case in Archbald zoning process

The Archbald Borough Council recently conducted its fifth conditional use hearing regarding the proposed 18-building Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus. Developer Cornell Realty Management, represented by attorney Edmund Campbell, presented a second traffic expert, Frank Tavani, to clarify previous testimony on projected traffic numbers. Council member Lisa Osborne and community members expressed confusion and skepticism about the new expert's contribution, with residents like Tammy Misewicz-Healey, founder of the Stop Archbald Data Centers group, stating the testimony created more confusion.

The Valley View School District, granted party status through attorney Kyle Callejas, raised concerns about the traffic study's ability to account for employee numbers without a named end-user for the campus. Campbell maintained that the end-user identity and detailed security protocols would be revealed at an "appropriate time," specifically during the land development process and in conjunction with a required Highway Occupancy Permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Council member Larry Marchetti objected to the submitted security plan, arguing it inadequately informed local emergency responders about potential hazards. Campbell asserted the current plan was sufficient for conditional approval and would be refined later. After three hours, the developer rested its case, but objectors, represented by attorney Justin Richards, announced they would present a health, safety, and welfare expert. A sixth hearing is scheduled for July 6.