Supervisors to vote next week on Kline Twp.’s largest project ever

Kline Twp. supervisors are slated to vote on September 30 to either approve or deny Amazon Data Services' proposal for nine data center buildings on approximately 390 acres between Haddock and Lofty roads and Interstate 81. This follows a planning commission hearing on September 28 and several previous public meetings, the first of which took place on January 17.

Supervisor Gary Perna highlighted the magnitude of the project, stating it's the largest the township has ever considered. He expects the planning commission to issue a recommendation to the supervisors. Public participation in the upcoming supervisors' meeting will be limited to township residents and property owners, a point of contention illustrated by the arrest of former state House majority leader Todd Eachus at a previous meeting when he attempted to speak without being a resident.

Residents, including Anthony Befano, have expressed strong opposition to the project, particularly regarding water usage. Befano noted that supervisors have not acted on a resident-requested curative amendment to the township's zoning ordinance to regulate data centers, citing a three-year waiting period after a 2024 ordinance. Amazon has requested potable water from the Kline Twp. Municipal Authority for cooling, estimating 115,000 gallons daily on hot days, though they anticipate air cooling will suffice for 94-96% of the time. Concerns also include noise from backup generators, fire protection, stormwater management, and stabilizing mines.

The proposed data center site is 750 feet from the closest homes in Haddock and 1,500 feet from homes in Lofty. Amazon also seeks an exception from the township's noise ordinance for generator testing, which they expect to conduct for 15 minutes monthly.