Lawsuit tests zoning rules for proposed data center
Maryland-based company Stonebridge is suing North Beaver and Mahoning Townships in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit challenges the applicability of new zoning restrictions to Stonebridge's proposed data center, arguing the rules changed after their land application was submitted. A public hearing is scheduled for residents to weigh in on the project, which faces ongoing opposition.
A legal dispute is underway in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where Maryland-based company Stonebridge is suing North Beaver Township and Mahoning Township over zoning restrictions for a proposed data center. Stonebridge contends that newly adopted ordinances by the townships should not apply to their project, as their land application was submitted before these rules were in place.
Mahoning Township solicitor Lou Porada disputes Stonebridge's argument, stating that under the "pending ordinance doctrine," any development moving forward must comply with ordinances once they have been considered by planning commissions and properly advertised. Both townships are asking a judge to reject Stonebridge's claims.
A public hearing is scheduled for residents to express their views on the project. A local citizens group plans to attend, focusing on issues such as transparency, the development process, community impact, and the developer's track record in building hyperscale data centers.