Lackawanna County Commissioner Leads Opposition to Data Center Project Amid Public Hearing
Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan has gained political momentum by leading opposition to data center development in the area. A recent conditional use hearing for the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus in Archbald Borough focused on noise concerns, with hundreds of residents attending to express opposition. The hearing ended without a resolution, indicating ongoing community resistance to the project.
Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan has seen a resurgence in his political career due to his vocal opposition to data center development. Despite facing challenges over a property tax increase and reassessment, Gaughan has become a leading figure in the grassroots resistance against proposed data centers, actively campaigning and providing resources through ShowUpLackawanna.com.
His involvement was highlighted at a recent conditional use hearing for the Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus in Archbald Borough, which drew over 400 residents. The hearing primarily focused on noise concerns, with the developers' expert witness, Caitlin Ormsbee, facing scrutiny and having her data's credibility challenged under cross-examination regarding the noise generated by 14 data centers, hundreds of chillers, HVAC units, and diesel generators.
In an attempt to secure approval, Wildcat Ridge attorney Edmund J. Campbell Jr. offered Archbald a $17 million community benefits agreement, contingent on all 14 proposed data centers becoming operational. However, this offer was met with derision by the community, which views its heritage and security as priceless. The hearing concluded without a decision, underscoring the ongoing and determined community opposition, which Commissioner Gaughan continues to support.