Trainer, PA Data Center Plan Divides Delaware County Towns
Trainer Borough issued a favorable preliminary zoning determination for a proposed data center by Link Logistics, while neighboring Lower Chichester Township deemed the use not permitted under its current zoning. Residents in Trainer and Marcus Hook are actively organizing against the project due to concerns over noise, pollution, and property values. No formal application has been filed yet, but the project is facing significant local and statewide regulatory scrutiny.
A 24.4-acre parcel at 4001 Ridge Road, straddling the municipal line between Trainer Borough and Lower Chichester Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has become the focal point of a dispute over a proposed data center. Trainer Borough's zoning officer issued a favorable preliminary zoning determination for the project in August, while Lower Chichester Township stated in July that data center use was not permitted under its current zoning. Most of the land lies within Trainer Borough.
The proposal by Link Logistics, a company founded by Blackstone, has sparked strong opposition from residents in Trainer and neighboring Marcus Hook. A community meeting saw residents voice concerns about potential noise, pollution, and impacts on property values. Lorraine DeLassio and Christine Reeder, among others, expressed anger and questioned the suitability of the densely populated area for such a facility. Zulene Mayfield, chairperson of Chester Residents Concerned With Quality Living, highlighted residents' readiness to fight the project, citing existing pollution issues in the area.
Link Logistics confirmed receiving a favorable preliminary opinion from Trainer Borough but stressed it is not a building permit, and any project would require a formal application and approvals. The company stated its evaluation of opportunities to enhance the property and committed to transparent community engagement should plans move forward. Trainer Borough officials confirmed no formal application has been received, and no formal project approvals have been granted.
The local opposition unfolds amidst broader statewide concerns regarding data center expansion. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently cautioned that unchecked growth could strain the PJM power grid by 2030, increasing blackout risks. The PUC voted to open regulatory proceedings to update electric load control rules and discuss allocating data center power costs. Additionally, the Pennsylvania House passed a bill to repeal the state's sales tax exemption on data center equipment, and Governor Josh Shapiro issued an Executive Order to prevent grid expansion costs from being passed to residential ratepayers. Delaware County Council also approved a $120 million open space conservation bond referendum, which could enable municipalities to acquire land to resist large industrial developments like data centers.