Data center developer offers $10,000 to Hazle Twp. households
NorthPoint Development is offering $10,000 to households in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, as part of a $165 million incentive package for its Project Hazelnut data center. This offer comes after the developer failed to secure local zoning approval and lost a court ruling, which they have since appealed. Residents continue to oppose the project and a related power line, even rallying for a statewide data center moratorium.
NorthPoint Development, a Kansas City-based firm, has sent letters to Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, residents offering $10,000 per household, totaling $45 million, as an incentive for its Project Hazelnut data center. The developer also proposed an additional $105 million for township services and $15 million for workforce training and community projects.
This offer follows NorthPoint Development's failure to secure local approval for the data center from Hazle Township supervisors and a subsequent ruling against them by a Luzerne County judge. The company has since appealed the decision to the Commonwealth Court. Previously, NorthPoint made a separate $30 million offer on May 19 to help residents with electric bills and partner with educational institutions.
Residents, including John Zola and Annie Vinatieri from Sugarloaf Township, who are leading opposition against a proposed 11.2-mile power line for the data center, expressed skepticism and concern over the developer's desperate efforts. They also attended a rally at the state Capitol supporting a three-year statewide moratorium on data centers, proposed by Sen. Katie Muth, which further highlights the ongoing and widespread opposition to data center developments in the region.
NorthPoint emphasizes that Project Hazelnut, planned for over 1,000 acres, will use treated sewage for cooling and secure its own power without burdening existing ratepayers, along with plans for noise mitigation and land preservation.