Residents look to Lower Chi for answers on possible data center
Residents of Lower Chichester Township are concerned about a proposed 443,000-square-foot data center project, primarily located in Trainer but partially in Lower Chichester. Lower Chichester officials have stated that a data center is not a permitted use in its Limited Industrial District, while Link Logistics, the developer, received a favorable preliminary opinion from Trainer Borough. Community members and environmental groups are planning a public meeting to discuss potential impacts and next steps.
Residents of Lower Chichester Township, Pennsylvania, are raising concerns about a proposed 443,000-square-foot data center. The project, marketed by Link Logistics, would be primarily situated in Trainer Borough, with a portion extending into Lower Chichester. At a recent township meeting, commissioners assured residents their input would be heard regarding the development.
Lower Chichester Township has issued a preliminary zoning opinion that a data center is not a permitted use in its Limited Industrial District, citing insufficient information. Conversely, Link Logistics confirmed it received a favorable preliminary opinion from Trainer Borough, though this is not a building permit. A spokesperson for Link Logistics emphasized ongoing evaluation of opportunities and a commitment to transparent community engagement if the project progresses.
Community members expressed frustration over a lack of information from Trainer Borough. Francis J. Catania, the township solicitor for Lower Chichester, reiterated that his township has no direct communication or plans from Trainer regarding the development, despite 10% of the property being in Lower Chichester. Residents are also discussing Governor Josh Shapiro
’s statewide GRID regulations, which impose tougher requirements on data center development, including developer-funded energy infrastructure, clean energy commitments, transparency standards, and community benefit agreements. An environmental activist group, Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL), along with Physicians for Social Responsibility, Pennsylvania, is organizing a public meeting to discuss the project's potential impacts.