SPRINGDALE, Pa. — Springdale Borough council voted 5-2 Tuesday night to approve a conditional use permit for a proposed AI data center project.
The decision came after months of public opposition.
RELATED COVERAGE >>> Springdale residents protest proposed data center over possible power cost, property value impact
Demonstrators gathered outside the borough building before taking their concerns directly to council members inside.
“We’re going to be the eyesore of Pennsylvania,” longtime resident Wayne Mager said.
Inside the meeting room, residents questioned why a small group of elected officials could decide the future of the community.
“I’m wondering why seven people are allowed to make a decision for an entire community,” one resident said during public comment.
At one point, speakers asked those in the room who opposed the project to raise their hands, drawing visible agreement from the crowd.
Another resident presented a petition, saying the names represented widespread opposition.
The regular council meeting drew a standing room only crowd and, at times, became contentious.
“If the governor thinks this is okay, put it in his backyard because we don’t want it in ours,” one resident said, drawing applause.
Council ultimately approved the permit in a 5-2 vote.
The decision clears the way for the development of the AI data center site in Springdale.
Neighbors say they are worried about potential impacts to water usage, energy costs, and noise.
Council members Antoinette Robbins and Jeffrey Hartz are the two members voted against the proposal.
“The more I did my research, I started seeing how loud this is going to be,” Robbins said.
Robbins also said an overwhelming no vote could have triggered legal action against the borough.
“Basically what they’re doing is threatening to sue a little community if they don’t get their own way,” she said.
One resident called the decision heartbreaking and said opposition will continue even after the vote.
“Even if they get it through and they go to build, I guarantee we’ll be out there with picket signs,” he said.
A representative for the developer, Allegheny DC Property Co., says the company will now finalize the next steps of the project with Allegheny County.
That process is expected to take several months.
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