Developer Brian O'Neill defends Montgomery County data center proposals amid growing opposition
Developer Brian O'Neill of MLP Ventures is defending two proposed data center projects in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, against strong community and local government opposition. Residents are concerned about noise, light, water use, and utility costs, while Plymouth Township Council has unanimously opposed its project due to rejected safeguards. O'Neill maintains the projects are beneficial and plans to proceed, even suggesting legal action if needed.
Developer Brian O'Neill of MLP Ventures is committed to advancing two large-scale data center projects in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, despite escalating community resistance and disputes with local officials. One proposal is a 4.5 million-square-foot campus in King of Prussia, and the other is a 2 million-square-foot facility at 900 Conshohocken Road in Plymouth Township.
Residents have voiced significant concerns regarding potential noise, light pollution, water usage, and impacts on utility costs. The Plymouth Township Council recently announced its unanimous opposition to the project within its jurisdiction, stating that O'Neill rejected over 40 proposed safeguards and conditions.
O'Neill, however, strongly disputes the Township Council's claims, calling them a "bald-faced lie" and asserting that he agreed to most requests, believing discussions were still active. He expressed confidence that the projects would ultimately move forward, declaring, "Will I win legally? Absolutely. And I'll spend whatever it takes to do that because what I'm building is right, and it's right for the community."
He argues that modern data centers operate under strict standards, using closed-loop water systems, generating their own electricity, and adhering to noise limits. O'Neill emphasized the projects' economic benefits, citing hundreds of construction jobs, 800 permanent jobs, substantial tax revenue, and the revitalization of vacant industrial property. A zoning hearing for the Plymouth Township proposal was scheduled to begin.