Middlesex Planning Commission makes no recommendation on next phases of PAX-1 data center

The Middlesex Township Planning Commission held a meeting to discuss the next phases of the contentious PAX-1 data center project, which encompasses nearly 700 acres and 16 buildings across three campuses in Pennsylvania. The commission ultimately decided against making a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding the final land-development plans for Phase 1-C and Phase 2, which includes six new buildings.

Community members, consistently present at these meetings, reiterated their deep-seated concerns. Michelle Skorzinski, a Middlesex resident, expressed frustration that residents' concerns were not being heard, highlighting that the community felt blindsided by the zoning ordinance that allowed for the data center overlay. Specific environmental worries focused on the project's estimated impact, including its potential to consume nine times the power of all homes in Cumberland County and draw 146 million gallons of water annually. Sound emissions were also a major point of contention, with residents and commissioners alike echoing concerns about noise based on assumptions rather than verified acoustic testing.

Development representatives faced a barrage of questions from residents, many of which were left unanswered, according to observers. Commissioner Larry Claycomb acknowledged the community's sentiment, stating that many commissioners personally wished the project would 'go away.' Following two hours of discussion, the planning commission declared they would not approve any further phases until the developers disclosed the identity of the project's tenant.