A proposal to build a massive data center in Limerick Township is prompting a familiar debate, reports Maggie Kent for 6abc Action News.
Locals have expressed concerns over how Montco should handle energy-intensive development tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
The project would rise on an undeveloped parcel between the Limerick Generating Station and the Philadelphia Premium Outlets. Developer MCD 7 LLC has outlined plans for a nearly 1.5-million-square-foot facility. Township officials say the use is permitted under current zoning, though commissioners retain authority to impose conditions related to height, noise, and environmental standards through the conditional-use process.
State Sen. Katie Muth said she has heard of widespread hesitation. Residents are concerned around about being asked to shoulder unknown environmental and infrastructure risks. Data centers typically require significant electricity and water to cool servers, raising concerns about strain on utilities and long-term costs for ratepayers.
Those worries mirror a similar debate that unfolded recently in Conshohocken. Proposed data center plans sparked neighborhood pushback and legal challenges over zoning and environmental impacts.
Developers have pointed to potential millions in tax revenue, but township officials say public input will play a key role. A public hearing is scheduled for February.
To learn more about the proposal for a Limerick data center, visit 6abc Action News.
