Springdale-area residents express their concerns about a a data center coming to their town
Springdale-area residents are expressing concerns about a data center project that has passed local legal hurdles but still requires Allegheny County's approval. State Sen. Lindsey Williams is pursuing legislation for community benefit agreements and renewable energy mandates for such developments. Residents are advocating for a moratorium to update local ordinances and are committed to fighting the project.
Springdale, Harmar, and Cheswick residents gathered in Rachel Carson Park with State Sen. Lindsey Williams to discuss concerns regarding a proposed data center. The project has cleared local legal hurdles but awaits approval from Allegheny County. Residents, including Mike Monahan and John Murray, expressed fear, anger, and worry, with some holding out hope for a moratorium to allow boroughs to update their ordinances and prevent future data centers.
Sen. Williams acknowledged the inevitability of data center construction but emphasized the need for developers to benefit communities. She highlighted her legislative efforts with Senate Bill 724, which would mandate a "community benefits agreement" requiring 10% of development costs (estimated at $42 million to $77 million for Springdale) to be invested back into a 10-mile radius. The bill also seeks to shift the burden of electrical infrastructure upgrades to developers and require 25% renewable energy use.
Residents like Sandy Ransom, Mark Irwin, Sharon Spirk, and Fran Kropelak voiced concerns about potential physiological effects from low-frequency vibrations and diminished property values. Despite the project's progress, residents remain determined to fight its approval, emphasizing their desire for a moratorium and accountability for increased electric bills.
Williams clarified that her bill is not a ban but a financial disincentive to ensure developers are community partners, differentiating between a developer agreement and a community benefits agreement.