Archbald Residents Oppose Massive Data Center Development Amid Environmental Concerns
In Archbald, Pennsylvania, a town of 7,000 residents, plans to build six large data center campuses have sparked significant local opposition. Developers aim to cover about 14% of the town's land with these centers, which would include 51 data warehouses, each the size of a Walmart Supercenter. The development is intended to meet the growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. However, residents, led by individuals like Tim Bachak, a local teacher, are protesting the environmental impact, including deforestation and potential disruption to local wildlife. The controversy has led to resignations from the Archbald Borough Council and planning board members, with some citing safety concerns after threats and incidents of violence. The community's resistance is part of a broader national debate over the placement and impact of data centers.