Public hearing set for new development on Westinghouse site in Churchill

Churchill Borough officials are preparing to host a public hearing to discuss proposed zoning amendments that would facilitate the development of a new mixed-use complex named Legacy Crossing. The project, put forth by Commonwealth Commercial Real Estate, is slated for the 150-acre former Westinghouse Research and Technology Park on Helen Drive & Beulah Road. The comprehensive plan for Legacy Crossing envisions a walkable community centered around commercial and residential spaces, intentionally excluding specific uses like data centers. Borough solicitor Gavin Robb confirmed that the draft zoning ordinance for the upcoming hearing includes new definitions for data centers, tattoo shops, and vape stores to ensure their exclusion from the final Legacy Crossing development. Furthermore, the ordinance proposes specific requirements for any future data center developments, mandating a maximum footprint of 25,000 square feet and a 500-foot setback from property lines. If approved, the ordinance would still require further administrative steps, including conditional and land use discussions, before demolition of existing structures for the first phase of the project can commence. The site has been vacant for decades, notably after Amazon abandoned plans in 2022 for a large distribution center following significant community opposition and a lawsuit. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday at the Churchill municipal office building.