Plymouth Township zoning officials continue data center hearing without hearing testimony

The Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board convened a brief session to postpone a public hearing concerning a special exemption application for a 2 million-square-foot data center development at 900 Conshohocken Road. The site is the former Cleveland-Cliffs plate finishing facility. Residents, including Christine Bertino of Conshohocken and Plymouth Township resident Ardis Lukens, attended the meeting to show their ongoing opposition, despite no testimony or public comment being scheduled. Many residents oppose data center projects near residential areas due to economic, environmental, and health concerns.

MLP Ventures, led by Brian O'Neill, is the developer for the proposed project. O'Neill's previous application was denied in October and later withdrawn. He is also involved in a separate 4.6-million-square-foot data center proposal in Upper Merion Township, which recently failed to secure endorsements for several application items. Plymouth Township officials confirmed receiving a new application for the same Plymouth Township site earlier this summer, leading to new zoning proceedings.

Plymouth Township Council Chairwoman Lynne Viscio formally stated the council's opposition, emphasizing the need to protect residents and the community. She revealed that O'Neill has filed a "substantive validity challenge," arguing the township's zoning ordinance is inadequate for data centers. Viscio strongly criticized this action as a "blatant attempt by the applicant to demand approval by throwing a tantrum" and affirmed the township would not be intimidated. O'Neill has publicly rejected Viscio's comments. The next Zoning Hearing Board meeting is scheduled for August 6th.