Cumberland County judge reviewing arguments over PAX-1 data center project
A Cumberland County judge is currently reviewing arguments in a lawsuit filed by residents against the PAX-1 data center project in Middlesex Township. Residents are challenging the township's approval of the 700-acre project, citing environmental concerns and an alleged conflict of interest with the developer. The project, valued at $15 billion, is already under construction.
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas Judge Matthew Smith is reviewing arguments concerning the controversial PAX-1 data center project in Middlesex Township. Local residents have filed a lawsuit against the $15 billion, 700-acre development by Carlisle Development Partners, despite its approval by the township's supervisors.
The lawsuit centers on environmental concerns raised by residents, including the data center's proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the Susquehanna River. Attorneys noted that a previous housing development on the site was rejected due to visual impact on the Appalachian Trail, despite being significantly shorter than the proposed 75-foot-tall data center buildings. Additionally, arguments were heard regarding an alleged conflict of interest involving a consultant who worked on the environmental review while also being employed by the project's developer.
Judge Smith, who received a 21,000-page record, is now considering whether opponents filed their appeals on time and had adequate opportunity to understand the project's scope before preliminary approval. No timeline has been announced for a decision on the project, which is already under construction.