Traffic Concerns Spark Confusion Over Proposed Data Center in Archbald
Community members and officials are expressing bewilderment over the potential traffic impact of a proposed 18-building data center in Archbald, Pennsylvania. During a recent hearing, questions were raised about the necessity of repeated expert testimonies provided by the developers.
“Why did we bring you?” council member Lisa Osborne inquired after Frank Tavani, a traffic expert, delivered his testimony. Tavani was brought in by the developer, Cornell Realty Management, in an attempt to clarify issues left unresolved by a previous expert.
The proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus, planned to be constructed on 500 acres, is one of six data center projects in the area. The developer is tasked with demonstrating that the project complies with the borough’s zoning regulations.
Disputes Over Traffic Impact Analysis
In April, Jerilyn D. Luben from L&V Engineering presented a traffic analysis for the project. Tavani, who replaced Luben at the recent hearing, attempted to offer additional insights. He noted that newer editions of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) trip generation manual include more real-world data on data center traffic.
Tavani suggested that as average building sizes increase, traffic decreases, which elicited laughter from the audience. He also noted that truck activity would mainly involve parcel deliveries and fueling of generators, estimating a minor 2% increase in traffic. “Nobody in this room will even notice that increase in traffic,” Tavani claimed.
Concerns about electricity consumption, pollution, and generators were raised by attorney Justin Richards, representing community members. He objected to Tavani’s testimony, arguing that it added nothing substantial to previous discussions.
Unresolved Issues With End Users and School District
During the hearing, attorney Kyle Callejas, representing the Valley View School District, questioned how traffic studies could accurately reflect potential impacts without an identified end user. Tavani referenced the ITE manual, but Callejas argued that such assumptions put the community in “fantasy land.”
Additionally, Callejas emphasized the lack of communication between the developers and the school district regarding emergency planning and evacuation procedures.
Security Concerns Persist
Security plans for the data center were also a point of contention. Council member Larry Marchetti objected to the security plan presented, arguing it lacked details on emergency response procedures. Developer attorney Edmund Campbell assured that security plans would be refined during the land development process.
The hearing concluded after three hours, with plans for a continuation slated for July 6 at Valley View High School Auditorium, where further expert testimonies are expected.
