The Plains Township officials are contemplating the establishment of an energy and technology overlay zoning district, covering about 592 acres east of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, to potentially facilitate data center and power generation projects. This area constitutes roughly 7% of the township’s total land area, and officials clarified that there are no current data center applications in consideration.
During a recent meeting aimed at gathering public feedback, residents expressed significant concerns about the proposed zoning changes. Notably, attorney Justin Richards, representing a local resident and the Stop Archbald group, highlighted potential community impacts, citing the district’s proximity to residential areas and existing power infrastructure that may attract developers.
Concerns centered around the nature of the development, with residents fearing a drastic change to the community’s character due to a large industrial establishment. Some residents, including Patricia and Sarah McGarry, who invested in homes expecting a quiet environment, voiced strong opposition, stressing that discussions on decommissioning for data centers seemed inadequate.
The township did not take any votes on the proposal at the meeting, stating that the process is ongoing, with plans for further discussions and amendments before any potential vote is held.
