The Core Issue

Hyper-scale industrial data centers are being proposed for resource conservation, residential and commercial areas of Archbald Borough that were never intended to accommodate this type of development. The borough has changed its zoning rules in ways that benefit developers and residents were not meaningfully consulted.

What Are Data Centers?

Data centers are large industrial facilities that house computer servers. They operate 24/7, consume massive amounts of electricity, generate significant noise from cooling systems, require industrial scale electrical infrastructure, and produce heat. They are not compatible with residential neighborhoods.

Health & Safety Concerns

• Noise: 24/7 mechanical cooling, diesel generator testing/use, proximity to homes
• Air Pollution
• Electrical infrastructure: switchyards, substations, transformer risks
• Fire suppression chemicals used in server facilities
• Closed-loop water chemical treatment
• Traffic from construction and maintenance
• Questionable safety setbacks

Quality of Life Concerns

• Property values near industrial facilities
• Noise impact on neighboring homes and yards, especially low frequency noise which can be felt from longer distances
• Visual impact, lighting, fencing
• Traffic during both construction & operational phases

Process Concerns

Beyond the physical impacts, we have serious concerns about how this process has been conducted by borough officials:

• Zoning ordinance drafts were shared between the borough solicitor, consultant and developers before public review