DTA plans center in Bowmanstown 375,000-square-foot building to be used for cooling equipment
DTA Alliance and affiliated property owners have proposed a 375,000-square-foot data center in Bowmanstown and filed a curative amendment challenging the borough’s zoning ordinance because it does not allow data centers. The broader project in Lower Towamensing Township could include 14 buildings across 700 acres and cost about $4 billion, while a public hearing was postponed and local opposition organized by Save Carbon County continues.
DTA Alliance LLC, Murphy’s Meadow LLC and their owner, DT Allen Contracting, have proposed a 375,000-square-foot data center on 55 acres near Ore and Ridge streets in Bowmanstown. The applicants filed a curative amendment arguing that Bowmanstown’s zoning ordinance improperly fails to provide for data center use, and they are seeking an overlay district that would allow the project as a conditional use. The proposal includes stormwater controls, natural buffers and a connection to a nearby power generation facility or substation.
The Bowmanstown proposal is part of a larger DTA campus planned in neighboring Lower Towamensing Township, where 14 buildings totaling about 4.5 million square feet could be developed on roughly 700 acres. The company estimates the full project would cost approximately $4 billion and be completed by 2030. A scheduled public hearing on the Lower Towamensing project was postponed at the applicant’s request, while Save Carbon County President Linda Christman organized residents and volunteers to testify and distribute opposition materials. Lower Towamensing has retained legal counsel, and Bowmanstown Borough Council has been discussing a draft data center ordinance.