Community pushing back against rural data center development
A large 20-building data center campus proposed by Lindy Corporation on 700 acres in rural Clinton Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, is facing significant community opposition. Local supervisors are tasked with deciding on the application by the end of September, despite the absence of specific data center zoning ordinances. Public hearings are scheduled for the project.
A significant data center development, consisting of a 20-building campus across approximately 700 acres, has been proposed by Lindy Corporation in rural Clinton Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania. This project, which includes on-site power generation, is considered one of the largest ever in the area's history. Residents are expressing strong opposition, arguing that the large-scale development would permanently alter their community's character and be harmful to the area.
Clinton Township supervisors are tasked with deciding on the data center application by the end of September. The township currently lacks a specific data center ordinance or mention of such facilities in its land development ordinance, leaving the final decision to the board of supervisors and planning commission. A representative from Lindy Corporation expressed optimism that public perception would improve as the process continues, but many residents remain unconvinced, drawing parallels to past large projects like windmills where promised benefits did not materialize.
Public hearings for the project are scheduled, with the first presentation of plans on August 3rd at the Wayne County Park Street Complex in Honesdale, followed by another hearing for public input in Clinton Township.