Standing Firm Against Data Centers: A Community’s Struggle in Archbald
In a dramatic display of community solidarity, Archbald council member Erin Owen stood her ground during a borough meeting on November 24, aligning with residents who oppose new zoning laws for data centers. The meeting, filled to capacity, saw many attendees sitting on the floor and others braving the cold outside to stream the proceedings live.
Kayleigh Cornell, a borough resident, voiced strong opposition during the meeting, stating, “The amendment in front of you today was dictated by private landowners and developers, not by the residents of Archbald.” This sentiment echoes the growing concerns among locals about the rapid development of data centers.
Erin Owen, who only became aware of data centers 11 months prior, expressed her initial lack of concern, “At that time I wasn’t concerned … They didn’t come in and explain how large they were going to be and the impact it would have on the environment and the residents.”
The catalyst for the community’s unrest is a proposal by Cornell Realty Management to develop a massive data center campus over 500 acres in Archbald, featuring 14 buildings and 41 diesel generators each. This has sparked debates over zoning laws, which Owen and Council member Laura Lewis voted against.
Council President Dave Moran, along with members Marie Andreoli and Richard Guman, voted in favor of the zoning overlay, which allows for large-scale data centers. John Shnipes III abstained due to a conflict of interest, as his family’s property is involved in one of the developments.
Archbald’s Unique Position in Pennsylvania
Archbald stands at the forefront of a regional dispute over data center developments, with five proposed campuses within its 17-square-mile area. This makes it the municipality with the highest number of proposed data centers in Pennsylvania, a state actively positioning itself as a leader in the data center industry.
Local officials on planning commissions and zoning boards face the dual challenge of understanding complex zoning laws and addressing the concerns of residents worried about the potential impact on their communities.
Since early 2025, over 67 meetings about data centers have been held in Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania alone, highlighting the widespread attention this issue has garnered.
The Role of Zoning in Data Center Development
Zoning laws, which control land use and development, have become a central issue in the debate over data centers. Shelby A. Linton-Keddie from PPL Electric Utilities noted the rapid expansion of data centers beyond Northern Virginia, catching many municipalities off guard.
Pennsylvania’s Municipal Planning Code, established in 1969, regulates zoning, but many areas like Archbald had not updated their laws to address the specific needs of data centers. The borough’s 2023 zoning plan vaguely referenced data centers, leading to confusion and contention.
In nearby Ransom Township, outdated zoning laws also caused issues, with James Murphy acknowledging, “I’m sure it doesn’t, because when this was done in 2018, data centers were [just] a thought.”
Economic Potential vs. Environmental Concerns
While data centers promise economic benefits such as jobs and increased tax revenue, residents voice concerns over environmental impacts and quality of life. Louise Troutman from Pocono Heritage Land Trust warned of potential environmental degradation and increased utility costs.
Local leaders like John Augustine of Penn’s Northeast and David Tolson of DBT-DATA see Northeast Pennsylvania’s infrastructure as ideal for data centers, citing available power, cooler temperatures for cost-effective cooling, and a reliable workforce.
However, the community remains divided, with many worried about the long-term implications of such developments, including potential obsolescence and the permanency of these facilities.
Future Prospects and Community Action
As data centers continue to be a contentious topic, Archbald residents are actively seeking to influence zoning decisions. Community leader Justin Healey stressed the importance of zoning decisions, warning that once a data center is built, the impact is permanent.
The community’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Erin Owen, reflecting on the situation, acknowledged the unity the issue has brought to Archbald, stating, “This will go down in the borough history. This will be recognized.”
