Plymouth board reiterates opposition to data center
Plymouth Township Council reiterated its strong opposition to a proposed 2 million-square-foot data center by MLP Ventures, located at 900 Conshohocken Road. The developer has filed a second application, challenging the validity of the township's zoning ordinance, which officials view as an attempt to force approval. The council has authorized its solicitor to continue opposing the application and the challenge to its zoning ordinance.
The Plymouth Township Council has publicly reaffirmed its strong opposition to a proposed 2 million-square-foot data center at 900 Conshohocken Road, a project that has sparked widespread community outrage. Council Chairwoman Lynne Viscio stated that while the township does not oppose development outright, it must ensure projects protect residents and the community's quality of life.
The developer, MLP Ventures, operating under the name 900 Conshohocken Road LLC, had its initial application for the data center denied by planning and zoning officials last year. The first application, which attempted to classify data centers as permitted uses like warehouses, was withdrawn. The firm has now submitted a second application, challenging the validity of the township's zoning ordinance, which Viscio described as a "blatant attempt by the applicant to demand approval by throwing a tantrum."
Viscio emphasized that the council would not be bullied or intimidated, vowing to protect residents' health, safety, and welfare. Zoning hearing proceedings for the new application began last month, with another procedural hearing scheduled. Although Plymouth Township has not adopted data center-specific legislation, officials are developing extensive criteria to mitigate potential adverse impacts. The council has authorized its solicitor to continue opposing both the special exception application and any challenge to the zoning ordinance.