Opponents of Springdale data center pin hopes on Allegheny County oversight
Residents in Springdale, Pennsylvania, are continuing their opposition against a proposed data center at the former Cheswick Generating Station site, despite the borough council's approval of the application. Opponents are now focusing on Allegheny County agencies for further review and are considering legal action if unsuccessful. Separately, Upper Burrell passed a moratorium on data center developments.
Opponents of a proposed data center in Springdale, Pennsylvania, are maintaining their fight despite the borough council's December approval of Allegheny DC Property's application. Tom Bailey, an organizer, states that the battle is not over, citing the need for additional permits and approvals from Allegheny County agencies as further opportunities for residents to voice their concerns. If county oversight fails, opponents are prepared to pursue legal action, a possibility that borough officials had previously acknowledged.
Brian Regli, a consultant for Allegheny DC Property, acknowledged the strong local opposition and plans to host an open house on June 10th to present design changes and address community questions. The protest on Saturday, which drew about two dozen participants, highlighted residents' beliefs that the project could still be stopped at the county level. Nancy Weaver, a Springdale resident, emphasized the need for elected officials to protect residents and noted that some are already putting their homes up for sale due to the development.
Support for the Springdale opposition came from Upper Burrell residents, who are also fighting a data center project by TECfusions. Al Baxter, an Upper Burrell resident, encouraged community action, while Al Uhler, a former supervisor, highlighted the recent 180-day moratorium passed in Upper Burrell on data center developments. Concerns among Springdale residents, including Devon McCullough and Margaret Fortuna, include potential noise pollution and increased electricity costs, while Tratha Fogliani from Aspinwall voiced broader environmental fears regarding water and air quality related to data centers and AI.