East Greenville, Pennsylvania, data center proposal faces opposition
Hanover Land Development proposes a 150,000 sq ft data center in Upper Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, bordering a local farm. The proposal faces significant community opposition, with 400 residents attending a recent township meeting. A conditional use and zoning validity challenge hearing is scheduled for the fall, and the decision is expected to be appealed.
Hanover Land Development plans to construct a 150,000 square foot data center on 37 acres of farmland in Upper Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, directly adjacent to November Farms, an 11-acre property owned by Kelsey Kemmerer and her family. The Kemmerers, who have resided on the farm since 2019, express deep disappointment, fearing the loss of their peaceful home and the potential health and environmental impacts of the data center.
Ironically, the Montgomery County Township Municipality (Upper Hanover Township) passed a data center ordinance on June 9th, prohibiting such facilities in areas like the Kemmerer's backyard. However, Township Manager Anne Klepfer confirmed that Hanover Land Development submitted their application just hours before this vote.
The proposal has sparked widespread community concern, drawing approximately 400 residents to a recent township meeting, significantly more than typical attendance. A conditional use and zoning validity challenge hearing for the project is scheduled for the fall, and Klepfer anticipates that the decision, regardless of its outcome, will likely be appealed by either the applicant, the township, or a party to the hearing.