Salem Twp. Planning Commission recommends conditional approval of data center master plan
The Salem Township Planning Commission recommended conditional approval for a large-scale data center master plan, as well as a road vacation and lot consolidation proposal, despite significant opposition from residents. The matter will now proceed to the Salem Township Board of Supervisors for a final vote. The project is being spearheaded by QTS, which has already acquired over 1,700 acres for the development.
The Salem Township Planning Commission has recommended conditional approval for a master plan for a large-scale data center development, despite vocal opposition from local residents and State Rep. Jamie Walsh. The commission also gave favorable recommendations for a road vacation petition and a major lot consolidation proposal tied to the project, with only one member, Randy Rinehimer, voting against the road vacation.
The project, spearheaded by QTS, previously received initial master plan approval from the Salem Township Supervisors. Updated plans presented in March, which reduce the number of buildings from 18 to 12 and add 100 acres, were tabled until Thursday's meeting. QTS has invested over $500 million to acquire approximately 1,700 acres from 96 landowners in Salem Township.
Residents attending the meeting expressed frustration with the planning commission's process, particularly the decision to vote on the master plan and lot consolidation before allowing public comment. Nate Eachus, a frequent attendee of data center meetings, criticized the commission for "silencing the community." Salem Township Solicitor Anthony McDonald stated that only residents and taxpayers were permitted to speak, a policy questioned by State Rep. Jamie Walsh, who also opposes the development. An upcoming public hearing on the road closures will be held on Tuesday, June 23, with the final decision on conditional approval resting with the Salem Township Board of Supervisors.