Shoutouts and studies: Archbald data center campus hearing continues, residents respond with rage

Archbald Borough held the second of three conditional use hearings for a data center campus proposed by Cornell Realty Management. About 400 residents packed the Valley View High School auditorium to voice their opposition to the 14-building, 500-acre campus. During testimony, an expert witness for the developer revealed that the proposed data centers could need up to 21 million gallons of water per day, sparking outrage from the audience. The developer's attorney said an "adiabatic system" would reduce water use, but residents remained unconvinced. Other key points of contention included the 574 backup diesel generators planned for the campus, their air pollution, and the fiscal and community impact analysis presented by the developer's planner. Residents strongly criticized the planner's methodology and conclusions, accusing him of underestimating the project's negative effects. The hearing was continued to a future date as the borough council and developer navigated the heated public opposition.