Councilman: ‘No reason to panic’ as Jessup OKs preliminary data center plans
Jessup Borough Council conditionally approved preliminary plans for a data center on Sunnyside Road, despite a split vote and ongoing public concerns about industrialization. The developer, Sunnyside Road Associates, still needs final approval and must meet several conditions, while a related legal appeal concerning another data center project by the same developer in Jessup is ongoing. The council emphasized that this is an early step with more opportunities for public input.
Jessup, Pennsylvania, local officials have conditionally approved preliminary plans for a new 487,000-square-foot data center on Sunnyside Road, despite a split vote and public concerns. The Jessup Borough Council voted 3-2 to approve the land development plan submitted by West Conshohocken-based Sunnyside Road Associates, contingent on meeting five conditions recommended by the Jessup and Lackawanna County planning commissions. Council Vice President Curt Camoni, who dissented, emphasized that this decision is an early step and not a final "green flag" for the project, assuring residents there will be more opportunities for public input and information before a final vote.
The proposed data center is situated next to the Lackawanna Energy Center in a general industrial zoning district. Developer Sunnyside Road Associates, linked to Catalyst Commercial Development LLC, had initially sought a 40-foot variance for a 90-foot-tall structure, which was denied by the zoning hearing board in April, leading them to reduce their request to a 20-foot variance for a 70-foot structure. This project is proceeding under Jessup's legacy zoning, as the application was filed before the borough adopted more stringent data center standards.
Separately, Breaker Street Associates LLC, also linked to the same developer, is currently challenging Jessup in county court. This lawsuit stems from the zoning hearing board's denial of plans for six data centers along Breaker Street, with the appeal filed in February remaining ongoing. Councilman Jerry Crinella, who voted for the Sunnyside preliminary plans, stated that the location is ideal for industrial development and that council members are committed to protecting the public while allowing appropriate land use. The developer must now provide detailed plans addressing concerns like noise, backup generators, and utility agreements for final approval.