Plymouth Township council formally opposes latest data center application
Plymouth Township Council formally reiterated its strong opposition to a proposed 2-million-square-foot data center at 900 Conshohocken Road. The developer has filed a second application challenging the township's zoning ordinance after an initial application was denied and withdrawn. The council is authorizing its solicitor to continue opposing the project due to concerns for residents' health, welfare, and safety.
Plymouth Township Council Chairwoman Lynne Viscio delivered prepared remarks on Monday, formally expressing the council's continued strong opposition to a proposed 2-million-square-foot data center at 900 Conshohocken Road in the township's heavy industrial district. The development, proposed by MLP Ventures under the 900 Conshohocken Road LLC application, seeks to transform the old Cleveland-Cliffs plate finishing site.
Viscio highlighted that the applicant has filed a second application challenging the validity of the township's zoning ordinance, which the council views as a "blatant attempt... to demand approval by throwing a tantrum." She affirmed that the township will not be "bullied or intimidated" and will not compromise the quality of life for its residents. An earlier application by MLP Ventures for the same site was denied by planning and zoning officials and subsequently withdrawn in November.
Although specific data center legislation was not discussed, Viscio emphasized the need for extensive criteria to mitigate potential adverse impacts on residents and natural resources. Zoning hearing proceedings for the new proposal began last month, with a procedural hearing scheduled for Tuesday evening. The council has authorized its solicitor to continue opposing the special exception application and any challenge to its zoning ordinance, stating opposition will continue "for as long as the application blatantly disregards the health, welfare and safety of the community."