Residents fear losing Bear Creek's natural beauty to data center | 28/22 News
Residents of Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, are strongly opposing a proposed data center and a plan to expand industrial zoning from 66 to 534 acres. Concerns center on the potential loss of natural beauty, impact on recreation areas like Seven Tubs, and strain on small communities. A public hearing on the zoning proposal is scheduled for August 31st.
Residents of Bear Creek Township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, are expressing strong opposition to a proposed data center project and a broader plan to expand industrial zoning. The proposed data center is planned near significant natural areas, including Seven Tubs recreation area and State Game Lands 292.
The Bear Creek Protectors are spearheading the opposition, with residents arguing that industrial development in this naturally beautiful area is "insane" and could be located elsewhere. Their concerns extend beyond the single data center to the potential loss of more natural land to development.
Currently, Bear Creek Township has 66 acres zoned for industrial use. However, township supervisors are considering expanding this to 534 acres along the Route 115 and Pennsylvania Turnpike corridor. This expansion would affect over 100 parcels, many of which are residential, and could impact areas near Seven Tubs and State Game Lands 292, which are popular for hunting, hiking, and camping. Residents emphasize that preserving this natural beauty is central to their opposition, fearing that small communities like Bear Creek are easily overlooked in large-scale development decisions.
Residents are also citing the township's 1996 comprehensive plan as support against the proposed zoning changes. 28/22 News attempted to contact the Bear Creek Township supervisors and Andrew Schwartz, a municipal planner with the data center design group, but received no response. The next public hearing on the proposal is set for August 31st at 6:00 p.m. in the Bear Creek Charter School.