Tensions are escalating in the small town of Archbald, Pennsylvania, as developers move forward with plans to construct six large data centers, part of a massive project that could transform the rural community. Located near the Pocono Mountains, Archbald is poised to see approximately 14 percent of its land developed into 51 data warehouses, each roughly the size of a Walmart Supercenter, according to the Washington Post.
Why Archbald Attracts Data Centers
The town's appeal stems from its proximity to the 500-kilovolt Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line, a major power corridor supplying electricity across the region. This reliable energy source is critical for data centers, which require vast amounts of power. Additionally, Archbald offers abundant freshwater and suitable land for construction. However, many residents are outraged by the plans, which have already led to forest clearing.
"Those animals now have no place to go," resident Tim Bachak told the Washington Post, expressing dismay over the loss of wildlife habitat. "It's disgusting. … Why are they putting these things near us, near our schools and near our parks?"
Community Mobilization Against Development
Locals have organized through social media and community meetings to push back. The 'Stop Archbald Data Centers' Facebook group has garnered nearly 10,000 members—surpassing the town's population of about 7,000—where members share updates and coordinate opposition. Hundreds of residents display 'NO DATA CENTERS' signs in their yards, and once-quiet board meetings have turned into raucous protests.
"I want to know the effects of electricity usage, water usage, noise pollution, light pollution," resident Michael Pilch, 54, told the Washington Post.
Despite these efforts, developers are forging ahead without disclosing which tech companies will occupy the buildings. "This debate has destroyed this community," Archbald Mayor Shirley Barrett said. "We want answers, but we have no clue what is going on because this is all happening so quickly."
Developer Promises vs. Resident Concerns
Cornell Realty Management, developer of the Wildcat Ridge AI Data Center, has applied to build 14 massive centers across 400 acres. Calling the project 'ultramodern,' they claim it will generate $7 million in annual tax revenue for the borough and $23 million for the school system. The campus would be at least 1,500 feet from homes, create 1,280 jobs, and produce noise comparable to a 'normal conversation.' Developers also state water usage at about 50,000 gallons per day, far less than the 3.3 million gallons critics allege.
However, 500 residents packed a council meeting in mid-April to denounce the Wildcat Ridge zoning permits. Outraged locals taunted the developer's lawyer and tossed pamphlets into the trash at the council podium. "They think we are stupid and think we are pushovers," Judy Quinlan, 81, told the Washington Post, adding that the community is prepared "to stand in front of bulldozers" to prevent construction.
Political Shift and Uncertain Timeline
The controversy has reshaped local politics. Archbald Borough Council members who once supported the data centers have stepped down, with three of four seats now held by opponents and one seat vacant. Even after local planning board approval, additional state and local permits are required, meaning construction could take months to years to begin.
"No one wants this," Bachak said, "except the people making money off it."
