Massive land deal in Salem Township paves way for major data center project

A massive land deal in Salem Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, has set the stage for the development of a major data center campus by Blackstone-owned QTS. The deal involved the acquisition of approximately 1,700 acres from 96 landowners for more than $500 million, marking one of the largest coordinated land acquisitions for data center development in the United States. The large-scale campus is planned to include between 12 and 17 data centers, strategically located near an existing Amazon project and the Salem Nuclear Power Plant. The complex transaction was facilitated by 4-3 Consulting, which worked to coordinate the numerous landowners with township leaders and the developers, a collaboration lauded by supporters for unifying the process and enabling the project. Local residents, such as Michael Hodgson and Doyle Watts, expressed significant personal benefits from the sale, citing financial stability and the opportunity for early retirement. They also highlighted a sense of community unity forged through the collaborative effort. Watts emphasized the inevitability of such digital age projects and credited the collective bargaining power of the landowners for securing a favorable price. Project leaders anticipate construction could commence by fall 2026. Sordoni confirmed that the Salem Township supervisors have already given their approval to the project, and the landowners have received payment. Supporters project long-term economic advantages for Salem Township and surrounding communities, including job creation and new business opportunities, noting the area's historical suitability for large-scale industrial development. QTS officials stated the project aims to meet the escalating demand for digital infrastructure, with further details on timelines and phases pending.