Residents Protest Proposed Data Center in Springdale Pennsylvania

Dozens of residents rallied in Springdale, Pennsylvania, on October 29 to urge county officials to deny a land development application for a proposed data center at the former Cheswick Power Plant site. An initial review by the government of Allegheny County flagged 97 concerns, concluding that the application submitted by Springdale Borough failed to meet county standards.

During a public hearing, Allegheny DC Property Co. presented revised plans submitted on October 26 to address these deficiencies. The updated proposal moves backup generators from the roof to a double-stacked ground-level configuration and limits generator testing to business hours. While some community members raised concerns regarding air quality and noise, others, including the caretaker of St. Mark's Cemetery, expressed satisfaction with the developer's plans for parking and road access.

Allegheny County has 90 days to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the preliminary plan. The deadline for public comment is November 30.