Archbald residents to hold information session on data centers

Archbald, Pennsylvania, is grappling with an overwhelming number of proposed data center developments, totaling 51 data centers and an associated power plant. Local residents, organized under the 'Stop Archbald Data Centers' group, are holding an information session at the Valley Community Library to inform the public about these projects and their implications. Organizer Tina Verrastro highlighted confusion among residents regarding the sheer scale of the proposals. The Archbald Borough Council has been active in responding to the influx of applications. In November, the Council voted to amend its zoning ordinance, reclassifying data centers from principal permitted uses to conditional uses in four overlay districts. This change now requires developers to undergo public hearings and meet specific conditions for approval, allowing residents and officials greater scrutiny. Six specific data center campuses are proposed for Archbald, including 'Project Boson' (linked to Jim Marzolino of Kriger Construction and Essential Energy LLC), 'Project Gravity' (by Western Hospitality Partners), 'Project Green Mountain' (by Green Mountain 6 LLC, with similarities to Western Hospitality), 'Project Scott' and 'Project North' (both by Provident Realty Advisors operating as Archbald I LLC), and 'Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus' (by Cornell Realty Management LLC). Notably, the Archbald Borough Council recently denied the conditional use application for 'Project Scott' on March 27, a decision celebrated by the community but which the developer is expected to appeal. Council President Louis Rapoch emphasized the importance of public awareness and accurate information amidst misconceptions. The 'Stop Archbald Data Centers' group, with over 7,700 Facebook members, remains actively engaged in monitoring developments and advocating for community interests.