Data center developers press Lehigh Valley community to rezone farmland, quarry
Lower Mount Bethel Township officials and residents are frustrated by data center developers' request to rezone 240 acres of agricultural land for a data center campus. Hundreds attended a public hearing where opposition was vocal, and the township chair reiterated his commitment to preserving agricultural land. The township is finalizing a data center ordinance, and a vote is scheduled for September 14.
Data center developers' request to rezone nearly 240 acres of agricultural land in Lower Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, has intensified local opposition. Residents packed a public hearing, voicing widespread disapproval of the proposed data center campus. Township Supervisors Chair David Ascani publicly committed to preserving agricultural land and not changing zoning, stating he heard residents "loud and clear." The township is currently drafting a data center ordinance, with a vote scheduled for September 14, which could impact the project if the developers' rezoning request isn't finalized beforehand.
John Callahan, director of business development for Peron Development, one of the companies involved, announced an "updated proposal" and submitted a rezoning request but not a full land development plan. Township officials, including Secretary Juli Lemak and Manager Melissa Mastrogiovanni, expressed disappointment over the developers' lack of prior communication and are questioning the completeness of the submission. The proposed site spans properties owned by Martins Creek LLC (linked to Talen Energy) and PPL Electric Utilities Corp.
Callahan emphasized that the project would utilize "advanced closed-loop cooling systems" and fund power infrastructure upgrades to address environmental concerns. He also mentioned noise mitigation and potential "significant new annual revenue" and a community benefits agreement, though specific financial details were not provided. Despite his assurances, Callahan's remarks were met with boos from the crowd. The development team, including Talen Energy, Peron Development, and J.G. Petrucci Company Inc., aims to collaborate with the township on its new regulations.
A separate data center-related meeting in neighboring Upper Mount Bethel Township, involving Talen Energy and River Pointe Logistics Center LLC, was canceled due to overcrowding. Residents from both townships are urged to pay attention to both projects, highlighting broader regional concerns about data center development.