'I don't want you' say Northampton County residents fuming data center farm takeovers

Residents in Pennsylvania's Slate Belt region, specifically Lower Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County, are mobilizing against the proposed Lower Mount Bethel Tech Center, a 1.2 GW data center project. The project, planned for a 450-acre parcel at Gravel Hill Road and Martins Creek Belvidere Highway, requires rezoning part of the site from agricultural to industrial. Opposition is organized by the group No Data Center in the LMBT, which maintains a Facebook page and website. During a recent three-hour town hall, developers John Callahan, director of business development for Peron Development, and Peter Polt of J.G. Petrucci, presented the project. They were joined by experts, including Dale Lipsak from Talen Energy and Joseph Lookup from PPL Electric Utilities, who discussed power supply, transmission, and grid upgrades. Jake Terkanian, a data center siting specialist, outlined the proposed layout. Residents, however, expressed clear opposition, citing concerns over preserving the area’s rural and agricultural character, water use, noise, light pollution, wildlife, and broader environmental impacts. Property owners like Rodney Smith and Beverly Van Hendron voiced fears about diminished property values. Linda Horne, whose family farm would be impacted, spoke of her deep concern for her quality of life. Some residents stated they would rather pay higher taxes than see the data center built on farmland. The project is currently in an exploratory phase. Two of five Lower Mount Bethel Township supervisors have already committed to voting no on the proposal. Callahan assured residents that no non-disclosure agreements would be sought from township supervisors, unlike in other areas. He stated that the proposal is at the beginning of the public process and that developers look forward to working with officials and residents to address concerns and establish safeguards, promising significant long-term benefits for township services, schools, and tax relief.