Borough of Conshohocken will seek party status for zoning hearing involving proposed data center in Plymouth Township
The Conshohocken Borough Council voted to seek party status in a Plymouth Township zoning hearing concerning a proposed 2 million square foot data center. This action was spurred by a resident-led petition highlighting concerns about the project at the former steel plant site. Obtaining party status will grant the borough legal rights to participate in the proceedings, including presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses.
During a July 15th meeting, the Conshohocken Borough Council deliberated and subsequently agreed to pursue party status in a crucial zoning hearing within Plymouth Township. The hearing pertains to a substantial 2 million square foot data center proposed for development on the former steel plant property located at 900 Conshohocken Road, an area situated within both Conshohocken and Plymouth Township.
The council's decision was influenced by resident Christine Bertino, who presented a petition signed by local residents and voiced several concerns regarding the potential data center. Bertino advocated for the borough's attorney to represent residents' interests collectively, arguing this would be more effective than individual residents attempting to gain party status and potentially cross-examine expert witnesses. Obtaining party status in a zoning case is a significant legal step, granting the right to actively participate in proceedings by presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and appealing decisions made by the zoning hearing board, typically reserved for directly impacted property owners under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.