Lebanon County residents protest proposed data center

Residents in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, are actively protesting a proposed data center project in South Annville Township. According to reporter Harry Murphy, this marks the latest community in the mid-state to voice concerns over data center developments, following similar discussions in Franklin and Cumberland Counties. Locals, including main organizer Michael Schroeder, argue that the potential downsides of such projects, particularly their massive footprint and impact on community integrity, outweigh the developers' claims of infrastructure support and tax contributions. The proposed data center, developed by "Inc and company," would encompass nearly 100 acres and feature five buildings ranging from 110,000 to 250,000 square feet, designed to resemble warehouses. Developers presented this information during a county meeting in April, expressing a desire to be "good stewards of the community" and ensure a "minimally invasive project." However, residents like one unnamed local, expressed concern, describing the facilities as "monstrous cities" in their "beautiful little town" and advocating for keeping such developments away from children, communities, and agricultural areas. As of the report, no final decisions have been made regarding the proposed data center.