Police remove disorderly man from Amazon data center hearing in Kline Twp
During a public hearing for a proposed Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center in Kline Twp, Pennsylvania, police removed a disorderly man identified as former State Rep. Todd Eachus. The hearing, which drew around 120 people, focused on the project's impact on water, electricity, and noise, with AWS addressing community concerns and presenting its plans.
A public hearing for a proposed Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center, dubbed the Kline Twp. Innovation Campus, took a disruptive turn when police removed former State Rep. Todd Eachus for disorderly conduct after he refused to yield the podium. The incident occurred amidst a heightened police presence at McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary School, where approximately 120 people attended the three-hour hearing. Eachus's removal remains under investigation, with uncertain charges.
The hearing, which is scheduled to continue, saw AWS present its plans for nine buildings totaling 2-million square feet on a 380-acre tract already cleared of vegetation. AWS seeks 15,000 gallons of water per day for daily needs and an additional 100,000 gallons per day for cooling, with engineers confirming the Kline Twp. Municipal Authority can meet these demands, provided new infrastructure is built at the developer's expense.
Community members expressed concerns regarding noise, fire safety, and particularly, the project's impact on electric service and rates. AWS officials stated that noise levels would comply with township ordinances and that a landscaped buffer zone is planned. PPL regional affairs director Jane George assured residents that electric rates are unlikely to increase due to the data center, which will be serviced by a new 6-mile transmission line. AWS also projects the creation of 400-500 jobs, many requiring only community college certification, with plans for local training programs.
Despite the orderly nature of other speakers, who voiced strident opposition, Daniel Leshko of Haddock claimed that township officials had not been given enough time to fully understand the extensive proposal. The Kline Twp. Planning Commission will eventually make a recommendation to the township supervisors, who hold the final decision-making authority on the project.