Gregg Twp. supervisors have 45 days to decide on data center request
Gregg Township supervisors have 45 days to decide on an application from PNK Group for a curative amendment and conditional use approval to allow data centers in the Commercial Manufacturing Zoning District. The decision follows a lengthy public hearing where acoustic experts presented conflicting testimony and residents expressed significant concerns about potential noise pollution. Granting the requests would permit data center construction in the township, paving the way for PNK's proposed 252,000-square-foot facility.
Gregg Township supervisors are facing a 45-day deadline to decide on an application from PNK Group, based in New York City, seeking a curative amendment and conditional use approval. These approvals are necessary to permit data centers within the Commercial Manufacturing Zoning District at the Great Stream Commons industrial park in Allenwood. While approval of these requests would not immediately authorize PNK to build, it would allow data centers to be constructed in the township, enabling PNK to proceed with its plans for a 252,000-square-foot data center at 198 Enterprise Blvd.
The decision follows a fourth public hearing that lasted over six hours, held at the Warrior Run Fire Department social hall. Two acoustic experts provided testimony: John Michael Spencer of JMS Acoustics, representing the township, stated that PNK's proposal would have a "significant negative impact" due to noise levels 17 decibels above ambient. In contrast, Alex Horecker of Salas O'Brien, testifying for PNK, presented test results showing average daytime decibel levels of 55 and nighttime levels of 40. Residents questioned Horecker's methodology, particularly his admission that only one of four machines was operating during initial testing, expressing a lack of confidence in the projected noise levels.
Township Solicitor Rick Shoch confirmed that supervisors must issue findings and a decision on both the conditional use application and the curative amendment by October 29. They have the option to adopt the ordinance proposed by PNK or draft their own, with a special public meeting scheduled in October for the final decision.