Large crowd opposes first data center proposed in Wayne County

An estimated 200 residents attended a meeting in Clinton Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, to voice strong opposition to a proposed data storage center near Browndale. This would be the first such facility in the county, proposed by Linde Corporation, a Pittston-based construction company seeking land development approval for a data center and power plant on its 700-acre wooded property along Flat Rock Road. The project's presentation by Linde was postponed because the company failed to submit plans 10 working days prior to the May 7 hearing, as required for proper review. Despite the delay, the Clinton Township Planning Commission proceeded to hear public comments in anticipation of a rescheduled presentation on June 4. The plans will also be reviewed by the Wayne County Planning Commission before going to the Clinton Township supervisors for a final vote. Residents like James Zefran, a former supervisor, highlighted the proximity of Linde's property to special protection watersheds, while Katie Zefran expressed concerns about noise, low-frequency vibrations, and lighting impacts on nearby Camp Freedom, which serves veterans. Responding to similar proposals in neighboring counties and community concerns, Clinton Township supervisors enacted a six-month moratorium on data centers on April 30, the same day Linde submitted its plans. This moratorium is intended to allow the board time to review and adopt a new data center ordinance, for which a public hearing was scheduled for May 13. Residents at the meeting articulated worries about hazardous emissions, noise, light pollution, and high water consumption, urging for greater transparency and stricter regulations.