Potential agreement with data center developer still on table for Upper Mount Bethel, as zoning challenge looms
The Upper Mount Bethel Township supervisors discussed a potential agreement with Slate Belt Holdings to allow a data center complex, which would resolve the developer's legal challenge to the township's zoning laws. A motion to reject any version of the agreement was defeated, keeping negotiations open despite strong public opposition over environmental, noise, electricity, and water concerns. The township also approved legal representation to defend against the zoning challenge, which is expected to be heard in mid-September.
The Upper Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors debated a potential memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Slate Belt Holdings regarding a proposed data center complex. The developer had filed a "validity challenge" on July 23, asserting that the township's zoning laws are exclusionary for data center uses. Under the proposed MOU, Slate Belt Holdings would drop its legal challenge and commit to up to $50 million in nonprofit donations to Upper Mount Bethel, in exchange for the township's collaboration on zoning changes and eventual project approval.
The supervisors' Monday night meeting saw intense public comment, with many residents expressing strong opposition to the data center project and the MOU itself. Concerns cited included noise, high electricity and water usage, environmental impacts, and ethical issues related to artificial intelligence. Maya van Rossum of the Delaware Riverkeeper organization urged the board to prioritize passing a dedicated data center ordinance instead of approving an MOU she viewed as compromising the board's independence.
Supervisor David Friedman's motion to reject all versions of the MOU was defeated by a 3-2 vote, leaving the possibility of an agreement open. Township officials anticipate the zoning hearing board will address the developer's validity challenge in mid-September, and the board has approved legal counsel to defend against it while seeking a 60-day extension from the applicant. Chairman John Bermingham stated that a revised MOU would be made available for public review.