Residents oppose proposed 1,300-acre data center in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania
Residents of Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, are opposing a proposed 1,300-acre data center known as Project Hazelnut despite a $10,000 incentive offered by NorthPoint Development. A judge denied the project’s appeal, citing inadequate zoning approval and insufficient public input, while residents continue filing records requests and protests over the project and related utility plans.
Residents in Hazle Township are challenging NorthPoint Development’s proposed 1,300-acre Project Hazelnut data center, which is part of a reported $165 million investment plan. The developer offered nearby residents $10,000 in exchange for support, but many rejected the offer and sought more information about the project’s planning and ownership. Local officials and NorthPoint denied Amazon’s involvement, while residents pointed to Amazon’s major investment in regional artificial-intelligence infrastructure.
Residents affected by potential eminent-domain actions formed Alliance to Stop the Line and filed nearly 20 protests against the utility company’s plans. The project still lacks approval. A judge in May denied an appeal because the proposal did not have proper zoning approval and because the initial process did not provide sufficient public input, marking a setback for the developer as opposition continues.