Archbald Community Day to celebrate town, raise money against data centers
Archbald residents are organizing a community day to raise funds for their legal defense against data center development in the borough. The "Stop Archbald Data Centers" group has already raised over $52,000 for its legal fund, which includes hiring an environmental health scientist to assess the potential impacts of the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus. The event aims to foster community spirit while continuing the fight against the data center industry.
Hundreds of Archbald residents are demonstrating active opposition to data center development in their borough, culminating in a community day event designed to raise funds for legal action. The "Stop Archbald Data Centers" group, co-founded by Justin Healey and Tamara Misewicz-Healey, is spearheading these efforts, having already amassed over $52,000 through a GoFundMe campaign titled "Protect Archbald: Data Center Zoning & Overlay Legal Review."
The proceeds from these fundraising initiatives are allocated to supporting legal challenges against data centers in borough hearings and county court, and have also funded an environmental health scientist. This expert conducted an air quality and public health assessment, presented to over 600 residents, which projected significant air pollution and health damages from the proposed 14-building Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus due to its 588 backup diesel generators.
Organized by Archbald native John Andreoli in collaboration with the opposition group, Archbald Community Day is set for Friday at AC Field. The free event aims to provide a recreational outlet for residents while raising critical funds through food, merchandise sales (including "No Data Center" apparel), and community activities. Andreoli expressed hopes of making the community day an annual tradition, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and re-energization in their ongoing fight.