Data center $10,000-per-household idea called ‘bribe’ by neighbors
A data center developer offered $10,000 to each household in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, if its "Project Hazelnut" is built, an offer residents are calling a "bribe." This comes after Hazle Township supervisors rejected a land application for the project, and a Luzerne County judge denied NorthPoint Development's subsequent appeal. Residents express strong opposition, citing concerns about quality of life and perceived secrecy surrounding the project.
NorthPoint Development, a Kansas City-based real estate firm, is facing strong opposition from residents in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, regarding its proposed "Project Hazelnut" data center. The project, which is part of Governor Josh Shapiro's "Fast Track" permitting program, envisions 15 data center buildings. Residents like Ed Parks and Ed Negra, who live adjacent to the proposed site, have criticized the developer's efforts, especially a recent unsolicited letter offering $10,000 to every household in the township if the data center is built, calling it a "bribe".
This monetary offer follows a unanimous vote by Hazle Township supervisors to reject NorthPoint's land application and a subsequent denial of the developer's appeal by a Luzerne County judge. The letter, signed by NorthPoint CEO Nathaniel Hagedorn, attempts to address concerns about water, environment, and power, and also lists broader community benefits totaling $105 million over 15 years for township initiatives. However, residents remain skeptical, viewing the offer as an attempt to divide the community and noting that the proposal lacks a binding contract. Legislative concern about data center development is also growing in the state, with representatives from Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties describing the trend as a "gold rush" and investigating related real estate transactions.