Dozens voice opposition to New Castle data center at West Mahanoy meeting

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS – Fears over a proposed data center on a New Castle Township ridge drew 30 people to Tuesday’s West Mahanoy Township supervisors meeting to voice their opposition.

Ryan Twardzik was a spokesperson for the group as they converged on the meeting at the township building in Shenandoah Heights.

The concerns center on an 89 acre parcel of land wedged between the Walnick Manor section of Butler Township to the north, Interstate 81 to the south, a PPL Electric Utilities high voltage pole line to the west and the Schuylkill Technology Center North Campus property to the east.

Currently, the property is owned by Mt. Laurel Enterprises. Daniel R. Blaschak is listed as the president of the company according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

“Right now, that ridge is a mature forest and is visible from almost every point in [Frackville,] including the Altamont and Cresmont areas of West Mahanoy Township,” Twardzik told the board. “Replacing that with heavy, large industrial buildings that dwarf the scale of all else around it does nothing to improve anyone’s property values or quality of life for the people that live around the area.”

On top of that, Twardzik said no tax revenue from the project will stay in Frackville. Instead, it will go to New Castle Township and the Saint Clair Area School District, much like the former Schuylkill Mall.

Twardzik said he worries about noise and light pollution from the property as well.

KRNL Data Centers, of New York, he said, is the proposed buyer and developer of the property. It would include several buildings and an additional substation.

Several of those in attendance were residents of the Walnick Manor section of Butler Township.

One major impact to West Mahanoy Township, Twardzik said, could come through the construction of an access road to the campus. Access would likely have to come from either Laurel Street in Walnick Manor or from Votech Road in West Mahanoy Township.

“We’re going to oppose it, 100%,” Andrew Salamak, a resident of the small neighborhood off Votech Road said. Residents of the neighborhood previously successfully fought the development of a Dollar General in the neighborhood.

State Rep. Tim Twardzik, also a Walnick Manor resident, told the township about the current landscape regarding data centers.

“It’s just the wild west right now of any available property,” Rep. Twardzik said. “Developers are coming up, buying property, offering to buy properties, and trying to chase electricity distribution through PPL and set up this opportunity.”

“Once they come, they come with a vengeance,” he said. “But if you put them in the right spot, it makes sense.”

Rep. Twardzik said they create “a few” jobs, but most are remote.

Some residents aired concerns about water and electricity usage and the potential for brownouts or blackouts.

Ryan Twardzik sought a letter of opposition from the township. Supervisor Michael “Mickey” Kayes was absent and Supervisors Chairman Paul “Pepper” Martin said once they could relay the concerns to him, they will decide on a petition.

Frackville Borough approved opposing the center last week.

New Castle Township has yet to receive a formal application for the development of the property, according to Coal Region Canary.

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