Protesters rally on Route 422 against proposed S. Annville data center

Residents in South Annville Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, rallied on Route 422 to protest a proposed $1.7 billion data center development. The project, led by 1235 Martina Drive Owner LLC, a joint venture of Inch & Co. and Eastern Land & Resources Company, with The Easton Group as eventual owners, plans for five buildings on a 99-acre site and requires zoning changes. Protesters displayed signs like "Protect our kids" and "No data centers," voicing concerns about the facility's proximity to homes, businesses, and schools. Key residents like Laura Warner and Michael Schroeder highlighted issues such as noise, light, and air pollution from diesel engines and cooling systems, as well as significant demands on energy and water resources. Schroeder criticized the lack of existing regulations for data center construction, fearing rapid development without proper community impact assessments. Residents also fear a 5% to 20% drop in property values and negative health impacts on children. Developers, represented by Joe Eisenhauer of Inch & Co., have presented to local bodies including the South Annville Township Board of Supervisors and Lebanon County Commissioners, projecting completion between 2028 and 2029. They estimate the project would generate substantial annual tax revenue for the Annville Cleona School District, Lebanon County, and South Annville Township. Despite these economic arguments, residents feel developers have provided vague details and have not adequately addressed their health and safety concerns. The community's opposition is described as unprecedented, uniting both political sides. Residents are urged to research the impacts of data centers and express their concerns to the South Annville Supervisors before the next Board of Supervisors meeting on May 13.