Lebanon County community to debate new $1.7B data center amidst public opposition

Residents of South Annville Township in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, are set to gather Wednesday night as the South Annville Township Board of Supervisors considers a zoning change that would allow for a proposed $1.7 billion data center project. The development, planned for approximately 100 acres along Mount Pleasant Road, has sparked considerable opposition. The South Annville Township Planning Commission previously voted unanimously against recommending the zoning change, citing overwhelming public sentiment against the project. Commission member David Sollenberger noted residents' fears regarding the data center's impact on water usage, electricity demand, and noise levels. He expressed surprise if the supervisors were to approve the project given the strong public disapproval. The proposed data center, pursued by 1235 Martina Drive Owner LLC, a joint venture between Inch & Co. and Eastern Land & Resources Company, is estimated to create 100 jobs and generate substantial tax revenue, potentially more than double the township's current budget and provide significant funding for the Annville-Cleona School District. However, opponents have become increasingly organized, holding protests and raising concerns about utility costs and environmental impacts. This project is part of a larger trend in Pennsylvania, where over 50 data center proposals are underway. While some municipalities like Middlesex Township have embraced data center investments, others continue to grapple with resident opposition over environmental and infrastructure issues.