Limerick data center hearings start with ‘party status’ debate

Limerick Board of Supervisors initiated conditional use hearings for a substantial 1.4-million-square-foot data center project, planned on a 192-acre site opposite the Philadelphia Premium Outlets. The initial three-hour session was dominated by the debate over granting "party status" to over 40 applicants. Township Solicitor Rebecca Geiser explained that this designation confers legal standing, allowing parties to cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and potentially sue to overturn the board's final decision. Ten residents, represented by attorney Lauren Otero, quickly received party status due to their proximity to the proposed site. Among them was Chrissie Dziembowski, an organizer for the grassroots group "Prevent Limerick Data Center Development," which boasts 1,800 Facebook members and 300 Instagram followers. Dziembowski, who lives between the proposed site and another data center location, voiced concerns about Limerick becoming a "sacrifice zone" and supported using tax dollars for legal defense against the project. Developer MCD 7 LLC, represented by Attorney Ed Campbell, was permitted to question applicants for party status. Both Limerick Township, represented by conflict counsel Wendy McKenna, and the Spring-Ford Area School District were automatically granted party status. Although many residents were initially denied party status after an executive session, they used their explanations for requesting the status to express public concerns about noise, health impacts, and the cumulative effect of multiple data centers in the region. State Senator Katie Muth's request to delay a decision on her party status was denied, drawing boos from the audience. The Limerick Planning Commission previously recommended 18 conditions for any project approval. The hearings are scheduled to continue for several months, with the next session on May 11.