Opposition grows as residents push back on proposed data center in Northampton County

Residents of Lower Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, are strongly organizing against a proposed data center project, even though no formal proposal has yet been submitted to the township. The group "No Data Center LMBT" has mobilized neighbors, including Matt Hackenburg and Lynn Fleck, who express concerns over noise pollution and the disruption of their peaceful rural environment. Former Township Supervisor Sandra Newman questions the necessity of the project's promised economic benefits, stating residents value their current quality of life over increased tax revenue or jobs. The group has collected over 5,000 petition signatures and is actively fundraising to support their opposition efforts. While Lower Mount Bethel Township supervisors have stated they will administer zoning and land development regulations fairly and objectively, residents like Fleck expressed a desire for supervisors to align with the community's opposition. The IBEW Local 102 union's newsletter reportedly indicates Supervisor Board Chair Chris Cook is "working diligently" to advance the project, though Cook directed inquiries to the township's official statement. Opponents vow to continue their fight.