Archbald Residents Criticize Wildcat Ridge Data Center Sound Study

The Archbald Borough Council conducted its fourth conditional use hearing for the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus, a project by Cornell Realty Management planning 18 data center buildings on over 500 acres. The primary focus of the four-hour hearing was a sound study presented by Cornell's acoustical consultants, Caitlin Omsbee and Alex Hornecker, which projected sound levels of 37 to 42 dBA around the facility. Opponents, including Attorney Justin Richards and resident Tammy Misewicz-Healey, challenged the study's methodology, particularly questioning whether the sound meters met ANSI certification requirements mandated by the borough's ordinance. Residents expressed fears that the data center would negatively impact their health and environment, describing the project as an "industrial conversion" that would destroy their community's peace and quiet. Concerns were also raised about the noise from the proposed 588 emergency diesel generators, which one council member noted were as large as buses. Mid-meeting, Cornell's lawyer, Edmund Campbell Jr., offered a $17 million community benefit agreement to the borough, intended to fund programs at the council's discretion in response to the development's impact. However, residents like Karen Timmons rejected the offer, stating the consequences were too high. The hearing concluded with public comments from residents who voiced distrust in the applicant's studies and procedures. The hearing has been continued until June 15.