South Annville residents to discuss $1.7 billion data center proposal

The South Annville Township Board of Supervisors is holding a public meeting on April 8 at the Annville-Cleona Secondary School auditorium for residents to comment on a proposed $1.7 billion data center. The project, spearheaded by 1235 Martina Drive Owner LLC, a joint venture between Inch & Co. and Eastern Land & Resources Company, seeks zoning changes for a 99-acre parcel in the northern part of the municipality. Joe Eisenhauer, Inch & Co.'s vice president of development, presented at an April 7 Planning Commission meeting, noting that most of the property is currently zoned for industrial or commercial use. The developer plans for five buildings on the site and assured that there would be no additional truck traffic and no request for LERTA tax breaks. Residents have voiced concerns primarily about the data center's immense power and water consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy reports data centers accounted for over 4% of total U.S. electricity consumption in 2025, with projections to reach 12% by 2028. Eisenhauer acknowledged the high power usage but could not confirm if the project would increase local electricity rates. The company is also collaborating with Pennsylvania American Water, the local public water supplier, to address the facility's water needs. The township supervisors have included a presentation on the proposed amended zoning ordinance and map on their April 8 agenda, with at least two residents scheduled to speak during public comments. Eisenhauer emphasized that despite concerns, data centers are a growing industry, and local communities should engage to maximize potential benefits.