ARCHBALD, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Monday night was a packed and emotional special meeting in Archbald, where Borough council revived a controversial zoning ordinance allowing data centers, a motion that died on the table just last month.
This is a story FOX56 has been following for months, and now, that ordinance passed despite a public outcry.
The meeting began with a motion to adjourn immediately due to safety concerns as residents over-flowed the room and even sat on the floor. However, that motion failed, leading to over a dozen residents pleading the council to vote no to the zoning ordinance.
Monday’s special meeting was called to vote on the same zoning ordinance that stalled more than a month ago—one that would designate four areas in the borough for data centers. The ordinance hasn’t changed despite repeated objections from residents, who have filled meetings for weeks and even organized protests.
Residents have created their own zoning proposal, but council stuck with the original version.
Council President Dave Moran reminded the crowd that months ago he formed a committee to review zoning, especially related to data centers, and said three more members will be added to continue that review, regardless of the outcome of the vote.
One by one, concerned neighbors voiced health worries, environmental fears, questions about conflicts of interest, and long-term impacts on their children and property values.
“They’re quickly out growing the house they live in, and of course, I tell them the only option is to build on our street. She looks at me dead serious and says, ‘If all these data centers come, why would I put my money into building a house in Archbald’ and to be honest with you I did not have an answer,” said Archbald resident, Christina Farrell.
Another longtime resident pleaded with council to consider what this means for families rooted here for generations.
“This is crazy. Just like many of you, my family has been here for many generations I was planning on staying. Now I don’t know if that’s possible. Why would I want to stay in an area surrounded by massive data centers?” said resident Carolyn Mizanty.
Others said the past month has shaken their trust in local government.
“This past month has been eye-opening to say the least, where towns across America are fighting with their local government against these aggressive land developers and data centers. Here in Archbald, we are fighting against out own local government. It’s broken my heart,” said Archbald resident, Tamera Misewicz-Healy.
No one spoke in favor of the ordinance Monday.
After more than an hour of public comment, council voted: four yes, two no, one abstained.
“Because it does not make logical sense and you have not provided us with one reason why these have to be in town. Why do they have to be in town?” said Misewicz-Healy.
Council President Dave Moran, Marie Andreoli, Francis Burke, and Richard Guman voted yes. Councilwomen Erin Owens and Laura Lewis voted no. Councilman John Shnipes abstained.