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The small Pennsylvania town of Archbald is facing an influx of data center development, with five developers planning to build six data center campuses that will cover 14% of the town. Residents are concerned about the impact on the environment, property values, and the displacement of low-income residents living in a nearby trailer park. Despite public outcry, town officials have struggled to regulate the development, with evidence suggesting they worked closely with developers to determine the terms of the data center overlay ordinance. As the data center boom accelerates across Pennsylvania, Archbald’s experience highlights the challenges facing communities trying to balance economic development with protecting their quality of life.

Why it matters

The data center boom in Archbald is emblematic of a broader trend across the country, as communities grapple with the impacts of large-scale technology infrastructure development. The case highlights the tension between economic development and environmental/community concerns, as well as the power imbalance between wealthy developers and local residents. It also raises questions about the role of local government in regulating industries that promise significant tax revenue but come with significant downsides for residents.

The details

Five developers are planning to build six data center campuses in Archbald, covering 14% of the small town. The data centers will border residential areas, including a trailer park where residents are facing eviction. Residents are concerned about the impact on the environment, including increased pollution, noise, and potential damage to the unstable mining terrain. There are also concerns about the data centers’ high electricity and water usage, which could drive up costs for local residents. Despite public opposition, town officials appear to have worked closely with developers to determine the terms of the data center overlay ordinance, raising questions about transparency and whose interests are being prioritized.

In early 2025, the first data centers began arriving in Archbald.In November 2025, Archbald passed a data center overlay ordinance that did not meet the demands of residents.In July 2023, residents of the Valley View Estates trailer park received eviction notices to make way for a data center development.In April 2025, the residents of Valley View Estates are set to be evicted from their homes.In December 2025, a public hearing was held at the University of Scranton regarding rising electricity prices, which residents attribute to the data center boom.

The players

Archbald Borough

The local government of the town of Archbald, Pennsylvania, which has struggled to regulate the influx of data center development.

Valley View Estates

A trailer park in Archbald where residents are facing eviction to make way for a data center development.

Tiffany

An Archbald resident who lives near the proposed data center developments and is part of a growing group of locals fighting the projects.

Ann Beynon

An Archbald resident who moved to the area seeking a safer environment for her children, but is now concerned about the impact of the data centers.

Louis DeNaples

A powerful local businessman with alleged ties to organized crime, who has been involved in the land deals behind some of the data center developments in the Archbald area.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.