Lessons of Springdale: Towns must prepare if they want any say over data centers

When Springdale council approved plans for a noise-making, energy-sucking data center in their square-mile borough, they framed it as a David and Goliath matchup. Except, in this case, David put down his sling and submitted to his towering adversary.

All but two of the seven councilors voted in favor of the development, though not one said they wanted it.

“I love this town,” said Councilor Jason Overly before casting his vote Dec. 16. “Do I want to see this data center come in? No I don’t. … But unfortunately … we’re going to be sued.”

The proposal calls for a 565,000-square-foot building and a 200,000-square-foot utility structure on the site of the former Cheswick Generating Station, which abuts neighborhoods on three sides. New York-based developer Allegheny DC bought the 50-acre site on Nov. 19 for $14.3 million, according to county records. The company says it will create local jobs and a tax injection, while “positioning Springdale for long-term success in a changing economy.”