It’s a heated election in a divided town, but in Springdale neighbors still say, ‘Love you’
Springdale Borough voters across the political spectrum expressed concern about a proposed data center development in their community. Residents cited potential impacts on power, water, technology and quality of life, while discussing how candidates’ data center positions influenced their gubernatorial votes.
Voters interviewed outside an Allegheny Valley polling place in Springdale Borough said their concerns about a proposed local data center crossed party lines. Retired steelworker Jim Dietz said the project should be contained and provide its own power and water, while software engineer Kailyn Wood questioned the broader expansion of artificial-intelligence facilities and worried about raising a child near one.
The development also influenced some voters’ views of the gubernatorial candidates. Paul Whale said he was skeptical of Republican Stacy Garrity because of her past support for data centers, although Garrity has since backed a pause in AI-hub development. Voters also criticized Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s previous support for the industry; Shapiro has since signed an executive order adding conditions to state permits. The article focuses on community sentiment rather than a specific government decision on the Springdale project.