PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, PA — The developer for the massive data center proposal in Plymouth Township has refused to negotiate with a new series of health and safety conditions presented by commissioners, instead "demanding approval by tantrum," officials alleged Monday in a lengthy and unusual public disclosure regarding the ongoing bargaining.
The council gave developer Brian O'Neill a 43-point list of various safeguards, including noise limits, buffer zones, water and wastewater restrictions, no public grid power, and more. O'Neill, who is on his second application to build the data center at the former Cleveland Cliffs steel plant on 900 Conshohocken Road, not only rejected every condition, but also filed a challenge to the challenging the validity of the Township's zoning ordinance, claiming it is too difficult to work with.
"Although the applicant rejected these conditions and safeguards, we are not backing down," Plymouth Township Council President Lynne Viscio said Monday. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the long-term health, safety, and welfare of the Township, our environment, and our residents."
The council reiterated the legal point that has been shared by other municipalities fighting against data centers: local officials say they cannot legally choose to not hear a proposal for data center development, according to Pennsylvania law.
"It does not mean that we are welcoming data center applications and applicants with open arms," she added. "It does not mean that we do not review these applications with the highest scrutiny. And it does not mean that developers can build and operate a data center in Plymouth Township in any manner they choose."