Reactions pour in after Governor Shapiro's surprise stop in Archbald over data centers

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made a quiet visit to Archbald to discuss proposed data center developments, a move that has drawn significant reaction from residents and local officials. The governor met with a small group of residents and Representative Kyle Mullins, prompting concerns over the lack of broader community involvement in a conversation surrounding six proposed data center campuses and their 51 buildings.

Local officials, including Archbald Council Vice President Joseph Altier and Council President Lou Repucci, expressed their disappointment at not being informed of the meeting in advance. Altier stated that the council would have "greatly welcomed the opportunity to meet with the governor directly" to discuss the challenges facing the borough. Repucci criticized the lack of transparency, stating, "transparency has failed us again and Archbald continues to be shortchanged by those who say they are here to help."

Residents also voiced frustration, with Tamara MacEvoy Healy, a founder of the opposition group Stop Archbald Data Centers, learning of the visit through rumors. Healy stated that the governor's visit felt like "the ball was just dropped" because he "didn't meet with the people" or allow them to ask questions.

Healy specifically raised questions about the governor's newly announced grid standards, arguing that they may not apply to many of the data center projects already proposed in Archbald. While the standards apply to projects seeking Commonwealth support under a "fast track program," residents are advocating for data centers to be removed from this program to allow for more thorough review. Both residents and borough officials hope for future, more inclusive meetings with the governor's office.