2nd community meeting planned in Springdale ahead of data center vote

Springdale residents and other locals will gather for a second community meeting ahead of borough council’s vote on a massive proposed data center at the site of the former Cheswick Generating Station.

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at From Italy Pizza in Springdale.

Organized by Protect PT and other local environmental groups, the meeting will follow a similar conclave that occurred last month and saw dozens of people attend.

Protect PT was formed in Penn Township to oppose drilling operations there before expanding throughout the region to weigh in on sensitive environmental projects.

According to Protect PT environmental policy advocate Lauren Posey, next week’s meeting will mostly serve as a space to write letters to local elected officials. Posey labeled the event “Letters and Lasagna.”

“We’re encouraging people to bring their own laptops and tablets to write their letters,” she said.

But the group will also provide some laptops and writing materials for attendees, Posey said.

Attendees can also create signs in anticipation of potential protests outside the proposed center’s location, she said. Two protests last month drew some locals with signs along Pittsburgh Street.

Posey said she expects the event to last until 7 or 7:30 p.m.

Last month’s community meeting, which took place at the same time as an informational session held by developers, saw presentations from Protect PT and debate among the crowds to determine next steps.

Council is expected to take its final vote to approve or reject the center at its regular meeting Dec. 16.