Middlesex Township planning commission discusses data center plan

The Middlesex Township Planning Commission in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, held a meeting to discuss a preliminary land development plan for the proposed Packs One data center project. The meeting, which began at 7:00 PM, included discussions regarding the development planned off Country Club Road. Developers presented the nearly 700-acre project, emphasizing its potential economic benefits. They stated it would create approximately 1,400 jobs during peak construction and hundreds of permanent positions upon completion, in addition to generating tax revenue for local schools. The developers did not disclose the name of the intended tenant, indicating this information might be revealed with the final plan. However, the meeting was well-attended by residents who voiced significant frustration over what they perceived as a lack of clear communication and transparency from both the township and the developers. Residents raised numerous concerns, including the environmental impact of the data center, its potential effect on home values, and general health implications, arguing that the proposed industrial development was unsuitable for a historically residential and agricultural area.