Springdale to resume data center conversation this week

Springdale’s Planning Commission will likely offer its recommendation to borough council to approve or deny an application to build a massive data center this week.

Residents and commissioners will again hear from developers seeking to construct the center at the former site of the Cheswick Generating Station at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Springdale Borough Building.

The developers, representing Allegheny DC Property Co., offered the first glimpse of the project in early August.

Since then, the company has submitted a conditional use application to get preliminary approval to develop the site.

Many local officials, including Springdale Council members, have already voiced their support for the project.

If council votes to approve the application next month, developers would likely have work out zoning variances at the borough level before the project enters its land development phase. During that stage, Allegheny County officials would become involved.

So far, residents seem to have reservations about the proposed complex, questioning developers about its power and water usage, noise levels and potential effects on the environment.

Wednesday’s planning commission meeting will provide another opportunity for residents to ask about the project and provide their thoughts.

Since the last commission meeting, however, Springdale Council passed an ordinance which only allows residents and taxpayers of Springdale to take the podium. Residents of neighboring Cheswick, or other municipalities, will not be allowed to provide public comment at the meeting.

Speakers will have a maximum of three minutes.