'It's right for the community': Developer defends data center proposals amid growing opposition

Developer Brian O'Neill of MLP Ventures is defending his proposals for two major data center projects in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, amidst escalating community opposition and disputes with local officials. One project is a 4.5 million-square-foot campus in King of Prussia, and the other is a 2 million-square-foot facility at 900 Conshohocken Road in Plymouth Township.

The proposals have drawn large crowds to public meetings and fierce pushback from residents concerned about noise, light pollution, potential impacts on utility bills, and water usage. O'Neill argues that his projects will utilize closed-loop water systems, generate their own electricity, and comply with local noise limits, calling claims of misinformation a major concern. He asserts his right as a property owner to build and is committed to moving forward, stating he will "spend whatever it takes" because the projects are "right for the community.

Plymouth Township Council recently announced its unanimous opposition to the project, claiming O'Neill rejected over 40 proposed safeguards and conditions. O'Neill countered this, calling it a "bold face lie" and stating he agreed to most requests, believing talks were ongoing. He highlighted the economic benefits, including hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, and millions in tax revenue over two decades, emphasizing the project's potential to transform a long-vacant industrial property. He also noted that modern data centers operate under stricter standards.

A zoning hearing for the project in Plymouth Township was scheduled to take place at Colonial Middle School, expected to be well-attended.