Plymouth Township data center next hearing site moved by zoning board
The Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board has rescheduled a hearing for a proposed 2-million-square-foot data center development by MLP Ventures, moving it to a smaller venue. This decision has caused frustration among community residents who are actively opposing the project. The developer, Brian O'Neill, is also involved in a separate data center project in Upper Merion Township, which was recently denied, leading him to file a lawsuit.
The Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board has rescheduled a crucial hearing for a proposed 2-million-square-foot data center by MLP Ventures, led by developer Brian O’Neill. The meeting, originally held at a larger venue, has been moved to a smaller room within the Plymouth Township Municipal Building on Thursday, Sept. 17. Township officials cited the need for an “appropriate setting” for proceedings, despite strong community opposition.
Community organizer Ardis Lukens and other residents expressed disappointment, criticizing the board for not allowing public comment at a recent meeting and for moving the hearing to a venue significantly smaller than previous sessions which accommodated hundreds of protestors. Attorney Charles Campbell, representing residents with party status, argued the developer's application is insufficient, lacking detailed drawings of the proposed project.
This development follows previous denials for zoning relief in Plymouth Township, though plans to revive the project resurfaced this spring. The township’s elected officials formally opposed the application in late July. Separately, developer Brian O’Neill faced a similar challenge in nearby Upper Merion Township, where supervisors denied five preliminary land development proposals for a nearly 5-million-square-foot data center project last week. In response, O’Neill filed a lawsuit against Upper Merion Township supervisors and the planning commission on August 14.