Granville residents continue to oppose proposed data center
Supervisor's meeting with developers draws criticism during lengthy township meeting
Trending
LEWISTOWN -- Tensions over a proposed data center resurfaced Monday night as Granville Township residents questioned a supervisor’s decision to meet with developers despite widespread opposition to the project.
The discussion dominated nearly two hours of the township supervisors meeting.
Supervisor Charles Watts told residents he recently met with representatives of PA Data Center Partners, the project’s developer, to gather information and explore ways to address community concerns.
“I’m not saying I’m for it or against it, I just want to gain as much information as possible,” Watts said.
Watts said he toured a data center facility in Loudoun County, Virginia, following an invitation from the developers. He also outlined suggestions he made during their meeting, including relocating wetlands to allow the proposed buildings to be situated farther from nearby homes.
Watts described the proposal as a “one-for-one wetlands mitigation” effort, which would involve relocating wetlands from an area behind a barn and house to the opposite side of the road.
“These people seem reasonable on face value,” Watts said of the developers.
His comments drew criticism from residents who questioned why he was meeting with developers when many in the community have made their opposition clear.
Resident Brittany Taylor expressed frustration that Watts had met with developers and, in her view, encouraged them to move forward with the project. She questioned whether Watts was representing the interests of township residents.
“We don’t want them here, you should be telling them that,” another resident shouted.
Watts maintained that his meeting with developers was intended to gather information and discuss potential accommodations for the community.
“By law, if they meet all of the requirements set, we have to allow them to build. We cannot stop or deny them,” Watts said.
Watts also raised concerns about the developers’ pending appeal, which is scheduled to resume Jan. 7. He said that if developers prevail, they would not be required to comply with current township ordinances because of when their application was submitted.
He pledged to keep residents informed as additional details become available and offered to include residents opposed to the project in a potential visit to the Virginia facility.
“When I know what’s coming or more information, I will share it with all of you,” Watts said. “When I get a date to go see this location in Virginia, I want to take some of you.”
Watts said one of the most significant things he learned during his discussions with developers was that they have not finalized a design for the proposed complex.
“The biggest thing we learned is there is no design yet because they do not have a customer,” Watts said.
Although the proposal calls for seven buildings, Watts said developers have not secured tenants, leaving the final design undetermined.
The proposed data center has generated ongoing controversy in Granville Township. Developers are appealing the township’s rejection of the project, with the next hearing scheduled for Jan. 7.
Following the lengthy public discussion, supervisors turned their attention to regular township business, including the creation of a committee to review existing ordinances and recommend revisions.
Watts said many township ordinances are outdated and could benefit from a comprehensive review.
As an example, he pointed to an ordinance requiring residents who own farm animals to have at least five acres of property.
“I don’t like this one,” Watts said.
Bryson Wagner was identified as the committee’s chairman, and township officials are seeking additional residents interested in participating in the ordinance review.
Those interested in serving on the committee may contact the township office at (717) 242-2334 and provide their full name, address and contact information.
Additional business from Monday’s meeting will be reported in a future edition of The Sentinel.