Data centers are popping up all over the country, with 85 in Pennsylvania, but some people in Carbon County gathered Monday night to say why they don’t want one built near them.
Penn’s Peak is used to crowds, but not usually for supervisor’s meetings. That changed Monday night, as Penn Forest becomes the latest community to weigh in on how to handle possible data centers moving into their backyard.
“I don’t want to hear electrical generators. I don’t want to hear HVAC equipment. I don’t want to hear the humming of 60 mega or 60 Hertz of electrical stuff going on,” said Robert Winson, Penn Forest resident.
All of the people 69 News spoke with at the meeting said they’re not in favor of a data center being built, but the board says it’s out of their control.
Jim Thorpe’s zoning ordinance was challenged by a developer interested in building a data center.
Now, the board has 180 days to amend their zoning to comply.
“We often hear residents explain, quote, no one wants these data centers, why can’t we just ban them, the short answer is the Pennsylvania constitution prohibits it,” a board member said.
One data center that was previously proposed at the intersection of Route 903 and Maury Road in Penn Forest Township sits about four miles from the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, a popular tourist attraction.
The 34 pages of amendments include sound level limits, electricity limits, and woodland protection, but, some citizens are still concerned.
“I’ve read all 34 pages, but I’m still worried, and I do not want to see this happening,” said Peg Eitl, resident. “There’s no upside. There’s no jobs being created. I see no good reason for us to allow this to happen in what is effectively a tourist community.”
The board is planning another meeting just like this in the next two weeks, and there will be a public hearing in February.