In a significant move affecting data center development in Pennsylvania, Archbald 25 Developer LLC’s Project Gravity has been removed from the state’s PA Permit Fast Track Program. This decision underscores the challenges and complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects requiring coordination across multiple governmental agencies.
The termination of Project Gravity’s participation in the program was communicated by Governor Josh Shapiro’s office along with the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO). The official statement cited the project’s “lack of responsiveness and unwillingness to provide a transparent overview” as the primary reasons for its removal.
Launched in 2024, the Fast Track program was designed by the Shapiro administration to streamline the permitting process for significant projects. It aims to facilitate coordination among various agencies. The OTO is responsible for overseeing the program’s implementation.
As Northeast Pennsylvania emerges as a hub for data center development, Archbald stands out with six proposed data center campuses, more than any other locality in the state. This highlights the strategic importance of the region in Pennsylvania’s tech infrastructure landscape.
Josh Harvey
/
WVIA staff graphic
Project Gravity’s initial acceptance into the Fast Track program had faced scrutiny from the Stop Archbald Data Center group. Their concerns were heightened by the fact that the project was initially missing from the program’s online dashboard, which OTO later clarified was in the process of being updated.
After being accepted into the program on September 22, the state’s requirement for a detailed permitting schedule remained unmet by Project Gravity. This schedule is crucial for the OTO to formulate a coordinated project plan. According to the OTO, “Fast Track doesn’t change permitting rules; rather, it streamlines the process. It does not, in any way, bypass municipal approval, lessen the permitting requirements or override what the law requires.”
Details of Project Gravity
Located on 186 acres of former mining land in Archbald, Project Gravity envisions a seven-building data center campus. Each building is planned to be 135,000 square feet, significantly larger than the White House. The New York-based developer, connected to Western Hospitality Partners, has indicated a $5 billion investment, promising 300 permanent and 1,200 construction jobs over five years.
The land was acquired from Five Up Realty, owned by Jim Marzolino of Kriger Construction. Initial site preparations have begun, with trees cleared to stumps. Despite preliminary approvals under 2023 zoning laws, the project still awaits final development approval from Archbald’s borough authorities.
State records list Abie Kassin as the developer’s contact, though he did not respond to WVIA News’ request for comment.
