Plymouth Township leaders say they plan to reject data center proposal
Plymouth Township leaders plan to reject a data center proposal after the developer refused to meet demands regarding resident concerns about noise and proximity to homes. This decision follows public outcry and criticism from a state representative, who raised concerns about transparency and the lack of information on the project's safety and environmental impacts.
The Plymouth Township Council announced its intention to reject a proposed data center project during a news conference. The data center was planned for an industrial area, a former Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill site, between Conshohocken Road and the Schuylkill River. Residents had expressed significant concerns regarding the project's proximity to homes and a playground.
Council leaders revealed they had presented the developer with a list of demands, including the implementation of buffer zones and sound walls to mitigate noise. However, the developer reportedly rejected these demands. State Representative Greg Scott, a vocal critic of the proposal, expressed his opposition, citing a lack of transparency from the developer. Scott demanded more information, including studies on safety, engineering, air modeling, and water analysis for the potentially 2-million-square-foot, 24/7 facility, and questioned the identity of the future operator.
Developer Brian O'Neill, who is also involved in proposed data centers in Upper Merion, had previously stated his commitment to complying with regulations. However, NBC10's attempts to reach him for comment on the latest developments were unsuccessful. The outcome in Plymouth Township is expected to influence reactions in other communities where similar projects are being considered.