A major developer eager to establish a data center close to a town in Pennsylvania has reportedly proposed a $10,000 payment to each family in the area. However, many residents are resisting, reflecting a broader national trend against such developments.
Northeast Development has reached out to the 10,460 residents of Hazle Township this summer, offering checks for $10,000 per household that they could use as they see fit. This totals a whopping $45 million, which might seem like a significant boost for families, especially in a town where the average household income hovers around $60,000. Residents could potentially use the funds to cover several months’ rent for a two-bedroom apartment, as well as groceries or fuel expenses.
Despite the tempting offer, a number of Pennsylvania residents are declining the payments, concerned that this is merely an attempt to bribe them into approving a data center that could bring unwanted noise and light pollution, along with concerns about the impact of AI on job security.
Jeff Fasnacht, a retired teacher living near the proposed site, expressed worries shared by many who oppose such projects: a modern form of NIMBYism. “Ten grand doesn’t begin to cover the decline in my property value,” he mentioned while enjoying a Scotch and cigar after a round of golf.
Ed Negra, another retired local, remarked that the developer’s offer could backfire, leading residents to scrutinize the potential drawbacks of having a data center in their community. “It’s more like a bribe, honestly,” he observed.
Gallup’s May poll revealed strong opposition to data centers—many would prefer a nuclear power plant over them in their neighborhoods.
Developers are finding increasingly creative ways to sway hesitant homeowners, often offering substantial funds for local education, fire departments, and other essential services.
During a local Italian festival, residents saw signs for “Free Amusement Rides Sponsored By Northpoint,” an attempt to engage with the community, according to various reports.
These direct cash offers to residents might be among the most audacious efforts to garner public approval for a data center to date. Politicians, too, seem more resistant lately, likely in response to constituents’ concerns as they prepare for re-election efforts.
For instance, Texas Governor Greg Abbott imposed a temporary halt on data center approvals, while New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted a unique moratorium on large-scale data center construction.
Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro took a stand against what he refers to as “predatory” development practices by signing an executive order to prevent nondisclosure agreements between local governments and data center companies.
John Zola, a resident near Hazle Township, noted that local politicians are often too easily influenced by large developers, which can lead to long-term tax breaks for the firms involved.
Brent Miles, NorthPoint’s chief marketing officer, shared that the decision to offer $10,000 came from residents’ frustrations heard during a public meeting last year; they were asking what they stood to gain from the data center. “We’re trying to answer the question, ‘What’s in it for me?’” he said.
The company also plans to contribute an additional $120 million over the next 15 years to support local services like the police department.
Charlie Leshko, a retired maintenance worker, expressed that he’s weighing the payments, considering how they could help him with expenses like a new car or a mortgage on a house. “Ten grand doesn’t just pop up every day,” he stated. “I’ve always wanted to own a home.”
Meanwhile, Carl Majusiak, a retired foundry worker, initially thought about the checks but ultimately decided it wouldn’t compensate for the negatives of the development. “At first, I thought, maybe I should consider it, but I realized we don’t need that here.”
NorthPoint Development has not yet replied to requests for comments.
