DEP holds public hearing on Project Hazelnut as NorthPoint appeal remains in court

The debate over a proposed 1200-acre data center campus in Hazle Township continues. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection held a public hearing on “Project Hazelnut," even as the developer appeals the township supervisors’ earlier denial of land development approval. Back in November, Hazle Township supervisors denied land development approval for Project Hazelnut. The developer, NorthPoint Development, has since appealed that decision in court, but the permitting process continues. The Pennsylvania Department of environmental protection scheduled four hours for the meeting, as it reviews two key permits tied to the 1,282-acre proposal north of the Humboldt Industrial Park. Project Hazelnut has been described as a “transformative technology campus” featuring 15 data center buildings. It was fast-tracked under an economic development initiative introduced by Governor Josh Shapiro back in November 2024. NorthPoint executives emphasized transparency. READ MORE: https://fox56.com/news/local/dep-holds-public-hearing-on-project-hazelnut-as-northpoint-appeal-remains-in-court