How do residents feel about data center projects in their community?
CBS 21 News visited western Pennsylvania to examine a data center under construction in Homer City and interviewed residents in nearby New Kensington about the development. Residents expressed concerns about temporary construction jobs, artificial intelligence and the long-term effects of data centers, while one worker defended the project as part of economic progress.
CBS 21 News traveled to western Pennsylvania to report on a data center being built in Homer City and to gather reactions from residents in nearby New Kensington. The segment framed data centers as a politically contentious issue and asked locals what they thought about the development.
Residents voiced skepticism about data centers, citing concerns about artificial intelligence and whether construction-related employment would provide lasting benefits. A worker involved in building the Homer City facility argued that temporary work is common in the industry and said the region must embrace technological development rather than fall behind.