‘Playing our community': Tensions rise over proposed King of Prussia data center
Upper Merion Township residents are strongly opposing a proposed 4.6 million square foot data center campus in King of Prussia, being developed by Brian O’Neill of MLP Ventures. During a packed planning meeting, residents voiced concerns about potential health and environmental impacts, as well as strain on the local power grid. The developer faces a mid-August deadline to secure approval from the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors.
Residents of Upper Merion Township are vehemently opposing a proposed data center campus in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, sparking contentious discussions at a recent planning meeting. The project, spearheaded by Brian O’Neill of MLP Ventures, envisions a massive 4.6 million square foot facility, larger than Philadelphia International Airport, which residents fear will make their community "unlivable."
Community members packed an Upper Merion Middle School meeting, with nearly all attendees standing in protest to signal their opposition. Concerns raised include potential health and environmental impacts, significant strain on the local power grid, and fire safety issues.
The meeting saw heated exchanges between the planning commission and O’Neill. The developer is under pressure to secure approval from the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors by mid-August to advance the project.