Limerick planners attached conditions to any data center approval

The Limerick Planning Commission conditionally recommended against a massive 1.4-million-square-foot data center proposed by MCD 7 LLC on 192 acres across from the Philadelphia Outlets. Following a contentious three-hour meeting with dozens of public comments, Planning Commission Chairman William DeGideo announced a motion recommending against approval "unless" several conditions were met. The conditions, read into record by Township Solicitor Rebecca Geiser, included requirements for no data center operations on a specific parcel (1192 Zara Dr.), continued plans for a "closed loop" cooling system, more extensive vibration analysis, ensuring the constant hum is not audible at property lines, annual sound studies, and identifying a similar data center for officials and residents to visit. Other conditions addressed PennDOT requirements for road relocation, the vacating and re-dedication of Possum Hollow Road, consideration of natural gas over diesel for generators, updated "will serve" letters from Pennsylvania American Water Company and Aqua PA, more information on a proposed 67 MW power line, an emergency services plan, an updated FAA letter, a Community Benefit Agreement, a de-commissioning bond, and a community health impact study. Public concerns were extensive, covering potential spikes in electricity prices, noise, high water use, diesel emissions, light pollution, and negative impacts on property values. Residents like Kyle Simpkins and Beverly Dalton voiced fears about declining property values, while Magdalena Stuehrmann cited a study on data centers becoming "heat islands." Terry Arthur and Greg Bardsley expressed worries about cumulative noise, vibrations, and long-term health and environmental impacts. Some speakers also noted that other data centers are proposed nearby in East Vincent and East Coventry, raising questions about cumulative effects. The planning commission acts as a recommending body; the final decision rests with the elected township supervisors. The project will now undergo a "conditional use" process before the supervisors, who will then consider a final up or down vote after the land development process is complete. The next supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, at Spring-Ford High School.