Battle over possible data center site in Upper Merion
Residents of Upper Merion Township gathered to oppose a proposed data center campus from MLP Ventures. Despite a temporary injunction, the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors denied extensions and preliminary land development plans for the project. This decision came after significant community input and a legal challenge.
Residents in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, gathered for a meeting of the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors to voice concerns about a proposed large data center campus. The project, backed by developer Brian O'Neal with MLP Ventures, aimed to develop over 4.5 million square feet across multiple properties, including locations on Renaissance Boulevard, Sweden Road, and River Road.
Prior to the meeting, a judge had granted an injunction on Wednesday, halting actions on the data center applications. However, this injunction was vacated earlier on Thursday, allowing the Board of Supervisors meeting to proceed as scheduled.
During the meeting, community members expressed strong opinions both for and against the project. The developer, Brian O'Neal, and his lawyer were present to advocate for the project, requesting an extension until September 30th for preliminary land development plans. However, the Board of Supervisors ultimately denied both the requested extensions and the preliminary land development plans for the proposed data center campus.