Second hearing addresses Lawrence County data center application
A second public hearing was held for a proposed 16-building data center campus by Stonebridge Associates in Mahoning and North Beaver Townships, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The key issues revolve around the application fees and the timing of its submission, which dictates which set of zoning regulations apply. The Mahoning Township Zoning Hearing Board did not make a decision on Stonebridge's appeal against the application denial, stating a decision would be announced later.
The Mahoning Township Hearing Board in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, held a second hearing regarding an application for a proposed 16-building data center campus. The project, proposed by Maryland-based Stonebridge Associates, would span land in both Mahoning and North Beaver Townships at the Powder Mill Works commercial development site.
The core of the dispute centers on the accuracy and timing of the application, particularly the inclusion of a required $3,000 escrow check for Lawrence County. Stonebridge lawyer Shawn Gallagher questioned engineer Aaron Bodenschatz, who claimed no information was given about the escrow requirement. Mahoning Township Solicitor Lou Perrotta highlighted Bodenschatz's lack of follow-up with Lawrence County Planning. The application package, initially incomplete, was returned and resubmitted multiple times before finally being correct on June 15th.
The timing of the submission is crucial as it determines whether the project falls under zoning regulations passed in April or a stricter set of regulations enacted on June 24th. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Sipe testified that the decision to deny the application was made jointly by himself, zoning officer Jean Greco, and Solicitor Perrotta. Jean Greco noted the township's small staff and reliance on in-person discussions for zoning issues, implying Stonebridge failed to adequately consult them. Stonebridge's lawyer, Shawn Gallagher, indicated that the stricter June 24th regulations might make the project unfeasible.
The Mahoning Township Zoning Hearing Board did not render a decision on Stonebridge's appeal against the denial of its application during the hearing, stating that a decision would be announced at a future public meeting.