Springdale Data Center Hearings Begin as Residents Voice Concerns
Allegheny County held the first preliminary hearing on a proposed data center in Springdale, with residents raising concerns about noise pollution, environmental impacts and the land-development process. A second in-person hearing is scheduled for Oct. 28, after which the county may approve the plan, approve it with conditions or deny it.
The first preliminary hearing for the proposed Springdale data center was held virtually by the Allegheny County Economic Development Planning Division, while about 40 residents gathered at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center to watch and discuss the proceedings. The hearing focused on land ordinances, potential violations and details of the developer's preliminary land-development application.
Some residents, including Pat English, said they were frustrated that the two-hour session focused largely on technical application issues rather than public testimony. English and other attendees, including Save Allegheny Valley Environment treasurer Marty Garrian and Etnner resident John Dziki, cited potential noise pollution and environmental effects as major concerns. Because Springdale lacks ordinances establishing its jurisdiction over subdivision and land-use decisions, the county is overseeing the review. A second hearing is planned at the Springdale Borough Building on Oct. 28, with a decision expected within 90 days afterward.