Proposal for large data center at Pennhurst site sparks local居民 outrage.

Megan Heiken recently purchased a home adjacent to the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital, a site that has gained notoriety for becoming a haunted attraction during the Halloween season. However, the local community is now embroiled in controversy over a proposal to transform this historic property into a substantial data center. This initiative has sparked considerable outrage and mobilized residents from East Vincent Township and surrounding areas, known for their pastoral landscapes and rural atmosphere.

In response to the proposed development, Heiken initiated an online petition aimed at encouraging her neighbors and local officials to collaborate on a solution that preserves the historical significance of the Pennhurst site while safeguarding the environmental integrity and quality of life for residents. The petition has garnered significant traction, accumulating more than 1,800 signatures to date.

Heiken expressed dismay at the potential alteration of the area, stating that her intention for moving was to embrace a lifestyle connected to nature and spacious surroundings. Many residents share her concerns, which have been articulated during public meetings held by the East Vincent planning commission and board of supervisors. These sessions have drawn vocal opposition from community members who fear a loss of their rural heritage.

The proposed data center is a massive undertaking, featuring plans for five two-story buildings, an electrical substation, and a solar field, totalling over 1.3 million square feet. Such facilities typically necessitate significant water resources for cooling, raising alarms among locals already experiencing drought conditions. For instance, one resident reported that his well had run dry even before any construction had commenced, questioning how the data center would obtain sufficient water.

As the push for data center development intensifies, prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, are advocates of these projects, promoting them as drivers of economic growth. Trump’s administration is focused on expediting the establishment of data centers by easing environmental regulations, while Shapiro endorses a ten-year strategy to streamline the regulatory process statewide.

Local governments find themselves in a bind, as many currently lack zoning laws to properly regulate data centers. In East Vincent Township, officials are racing to draft new ordinances that will govern such developments, aiming to incorporate community input to protect the rural character of the area. However, residents question whether the measures taken thus far adequately reflect their concerns.

The debate over the future of Pennhurst is not an isolated incident. Similar issues loom across Pennsylvania as municipalities grapple with the implications of data center developments amidst increasing state and federal support for technology infrastructure. The evolving landscape of land use and economic development promises to continue sparking local conversations about community identity and environmental stewardship.