Crowd pushes back on controversial data center plan in Montgomery County
A Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting regarding a proposed data center in Montgomery County, PA, saw significant community opposition. Residents voiced environmental and quality of life concerns, while proponents highlighted potential economic benefits. The board concluded the meeting without making a decision, postponing it to a future date.
A Plymouth Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting, held at Colonial Middle School, concluded without a decision on a proposed data center. The two-hour discussion focused on a contentious plan for a data center at the former Cleveland-cliffs Steel Mill site on Conshohocken Road.
Dozens of residents packed the auditorium, expressing strong opposition with boos and signs reading "shame." Neighbors continued to voice concerns about the project's potential environmental impact and effects on their quality of life, stating that testimony heard did little to sway their stance. Conversely, supporters of the project argued it could bring substantial economic benefits, estimating $424 million in tax revenue over 20 years, additional funding for the Colonial School District, and thousands of jobs. The developer emphasized the financial impact, noting Montgomery County's recent tax increase and budget struggles, suggesting the data center could contribute significantly to the tax base.
No public comment was allowed at the evening's meeting. The board announced that they would decide the date of the next hearing on August 17th, with the project's fate still pending.