Proposed data center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania seeks zoning special exception

Developer Brian O'Neill has submitted a special exception zoning application for a data center project located at 900 Conshohocken Road in Conshohocken, within Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania. The application pertains to a former steel mill property and seeks approval from the Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board. O'Neill's proposal asserts that a data center aligns with the Heavy Industrial zoning district's permitted uses, drawing comparisons to manufacturing, research, and warehousing activities. The application outlines measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts, including a closed-loop water system designed to prevent drawing from the Schuylkill River or on-site wells. For power generation, O'Neill proposes on-site natural gas turbines complemented by backup generators, intended to reduce reliance on the local electricity grid. However, community members have expressed opposition, raising concerns about the data center's potential effects on the Schuylkill River, groundwater, air quality, and local electricity costs. Regulatory oversight for the natural gas turbines and backup generators would fall under federal and state agencies such as the EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The article clarifies the special exception hearing process, noting that the applicant, O'Neill, bears the initial burden of proof to demonstrate the project's compliance with zoning criteria and its non-detrimental impact on public health, safety, and welfare. Should O'Neill succeed, the burden shifts to objectors to present expert evidence to convince the Zoning Hearing Board of any adverse effects. The piece also addresses and dismisses discussions around alternative mixed-use development plans for the site, stating such proposals are irrelevant to the current special exception application and the existing zoning code.