Springdale residents oppose AI data center proposal
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Some Springdale neighbors have organized against a new data center proposal. Photo: Alexis Johnson/Axios
Residents of Springdale Borough are fighting back against a proposed 565,000-square-foot data center that could soon be built near their homes.
Why it matters: Springdale's ordinances do not include provisions for data centers, leaving room for violations surrounding pollution, noise, electricity and water usage, according to advocates from the environmental group Protect PT.
The big picture: Allegheny DC Property Company submitted plans to construct an AI data center at the site of the former Cheswick Generating Station on the banks of the Allegheny River back in August, promising to create up to 1,000 temporary jobs during construction and up to 100 positions once operational.
Driving the news: The Springdale Planning Commission unanimously approved the project at a meeting last week.
- The commission recommended developers make adjustments to the application to address noise levels and relocate site access away from a residential area of Duquesne Avenue, according to TribLive.
Flashback: A week prior, Protect PT hosted a community meeting for residents to ask questions, express concerns, and prepare to act as objectors throughout the conditional-use-hearing process.
Zoom in: Conditional use approval requires that developers prove they will meet criteria in the borough's zoning ordinance.
What they're saying: Residents at the community meeting had sometimes contentious debates about the long-term impacts of the center, as well as the proposed 200,000-square-foot cooling plant.
- "I come to every meeting, stood on every corner," longtime Springdale resident Sharon Spirk tells Axios. "I don't want it in our backyard, and I feel like we're up against a brick wall."
- "It mirrors the fracking boom that happened 15 years ago," said Jim Cirilano, community advocate for Protect PT. "The communities were completely unprepared, and their local ordinances didn't address it at all."
The other side: In a statement sent to Axios, Ray Zaborney, who represents Allegheny PropCo, said they've been committed to transparency and dialogue with the community.
- The statement said that to address concerns about the noise level and water usage, "We tasked our engineers with not only meeting the industrial site requirements but we are confident we can exceed them."
- The representatives also said the project will not contribute to rising electricity rates locally.
What's next: The proposal moves to the borough council for approval. A meeting is scheduled for Monday at 5:30pm.