Data center inquiries made for Trainer-Lower Chichester tract
Link Logistics is exploring the construction of a data center on a 24-acre tract in Trainer and Lower Chichester Township, Pennsylvania. The company's lawyers have inquired about zoning approval, while local officials confirm no formal proposal yet but are discussing the matter with residents. The potential project is set against a backdrop of state-level actions, including an executive order to toughen data center regulations and a proposed six-month moratorium bill.
Link Logistics is investigating the possibility of constructing a data center on a 24.4-acre property, predominantly located in Trainer with a smaller portion in Lower Chichester Township, Pennsylvania. Lawyers for Link Logistics have sent a letter to Lower Chichester seeking a zoning opinion to confirm that data center use is permitted in the township's Limited Industrial Zoning District, arguing it qualifies as an industrial use.
At a Trainer council meeting, members informed residents that no formal data center proposal has been submitted, promising transparency should one arise. However, Lower Chichester board President Rocco Gaspari Jr. confirmed that officials had previously met with Link Logistics regarding plans for a warehouse at the site, which have since evolved to a data center, noting the company changed its legal representation. Gaspari expressed that while residents' opinions are valued, property owners have a right to present their plans.
Gaspari also voiced criticism of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's pro-development stance, particularly regarding data centers, noting that local governments retain significant authority over such projects. His comments preceded an executive order by Gov. Shapiro that introduced tougher data center regulations. Additionally, Gaspari highlighted a bill passed by the Pennsylvania House calling for a six-month moratorium on data centers, though he expressed concern about potential legal challenges against the township. He was skeptical of claims about high-paying, permanent jobs at the facility, suggesting they would primarily be temporary construction roles.