Neighbors Clash Over Proposed Data Center

A proposed one-million-square-foot data and energy center campus in Forward Township, Butler County, has ignited significant public outcry. The project, known as the Misty Hollow Energy and Data Center Campus, has been in development for three years, with its initial public review occurring on Thursday evening. Hundreds of concerned neighbors gathered to question developers, leading to a meeting moved to a larger venue due to an overwhelming turnout.

Developer Allen Sherwood presented the project, emphasizing that it would not draw water from the nearby Connoquenessing Creek, instead employing a closed-loop chemical cooling system. Furthermore, Sherwood stated the facility would have its own power generation, addressing common community concerns about data centers increasing local energy costs. However, the developer's reassurances were met with skepticism and boos from the crowd, with many residents voicing fears about noise pollution, traffic, and potential environmental damage, including impacts on local wildlife.

Township supervisors acknowledged that the lack of a specific zoning code limits their ability to prevent the project. While they can mandate mitigation efforts, outright rejection is difficult under current state law. Residents living adjacent to the proposed site, like James Schneider, expressed deep worries about well contamination and structural integrity. The planning commission has tabled the proposal, requiring the developer to address concerns raised by the township engineer before any vote can be taken.