URGENT UPDATE: Residents in Conshohocken are mobilizing against a proposed 2 million-square-foot data center that could drastically impact their community. The facility, planned just one mile from the borough’s bustling downtown, aims to repurpose the recently closed Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill site, spanning 66 acres along the Schuylkill River.
Real estate developer Brian O’Neill anticipates the data center could generate $21 million annually in tax revenue, but local residents express deep concerns over environmental and economic repercussions. Earlier this month, the Plymouth Township planning board unanimously rejected the proposal, citing potential harm to the environment and rising energy costs for consumers.
With the township’s zoning board set to review the proposal on November 17, 2023, opposition is intensifying. A petition spearheaded by local resident Patti Smith has garnered over 370 signatures as community members rally to voice their opposition. “This development was sprung upon us very quickly,” Smith stated. “We want to ensure that residents can advocate for themselves.”
Data centers are critical for hosting the servers that power internet services, but the demand for such facilities has surged, particularly driven by the needs of artificial intelligence. Proponents argue that data centers create jobs and boost regional economies, yet many Conshohocken residents fear the environmental toll, including increased energy consumption and the strain on local resources.
The Department of Energy reported that data center energy consumption has tripled over the past decade and could double again by 2028. This raises alarms as local energy costs are already on the rise, with residents facing hikes of 1.5% to 5% following recent capacity auctions managed by PJM Interconnection.
Smith and fellow activist Genevieve Boland are determined to raise public awareness about the potential consequences of the data center. Boland emphasizes the health risks, saying, “The direct impact on our air is my biggest concern,” referencing links between pollution and respiratory issues.
O’Neill has proposed that the data center would generate its own energy through natural gas, aiming to lessen the impact on the electrical grid. However, opponents argue that reliance on natural gas poses its own environmental risks, including greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.
As the community prepares for the upcoming zoning board meeting, residents are eager to amplify their message. “We’re trying to inform as many people as possible,” Smith added. “Community awareness is crucial.”
This developing story highlights the clash between economic development and environmental protection as Conshohocken residents fight for their future. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
