Springdale's AI Data Center Proposal Faces Community Scrutiny

Springdale's AI Data Center Proposal Faces Community Scrutiny

Springdale Borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has postponed its decision on a proposed hyperscale AI data center planned for the site of the former Cheswick Generating Station, a decommissioned coal-fired power plant along the Allegheny River. The delay, announced during the borough’s Planning Board meeting on October 8, 2025, allows more time for the developer to address community concerns and complete a pending noise study, highlighting the complex balance between technological development and local environmental and social impacts.

Background and Project Overview

The project, spearheaded by Allegheny DC Property Co., LLC — owned by the international investment firm Davidson Kempner — envisions transforming the old power plant site into a cutting-edge AI data center. Promoted as a “hyperscale” facility, the data center aims to support the booming demand for artificial intelligence computing power, a sector rapidly expanding across Pennsylvania and the United States.

According to project consultants, the facility would create approximately 80 to 100 jobs, potentially boosting the local economy and repurposing an industrial brownfield site into a high-tech hub. The development team has brought in environmental and technical experts to assure compliance with local air quality, noise, and light pollution standards. A chemical engineer and noise specialists testified that the center would meet federal and borough regulations.

Community Concerns and Opposition

Despite assurances from the developers, the project has faced strong opposition from Springdale residents, many of whom remain skeptical about the long-term effects on health and quality of life. Concerns voiced during public hearings include:

• Noise Pollution: Residents fear the constant hum from cooling systems and other infrastructure could be disruptive. One resident compared the anticipated noise to a 70-decibel air conditioning unit running continuously, which she described as “ridiculous.”

• Air Quality and Health Risks: There are worries about dust and air pollution during construction and operation. Families living within a half-mile radius expressed anxiety about potential respiratory impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

• Transparency and Trust: Some community members have questioned the validity of the developers’ expert reports, asking for independent assessments to counter or verify the project’s claims about environmental safety.

Anna Jewart, the developer’s attorney, emphasized the company’s obligation to prove compliance with standards to the borough council and zoning board but acknowledged the limits of their ability to dictate who the community should consult for counter-expertise.

Planning Board’s Decision and Next Steps

The Springdale Borough Planning Board, after two consecutive weeks of deliberation and public comment, opted to delay its vote on recommending the project to the borough council until more data can be reviewed. A noise study scheduled for completion by October 14 is expected to provide further insight into the potential acoustic impact.

Brian Regli, a consultant for Allegheny DC, described the delay as “part of the process” and indicated that a final vote is still some time away, signaling ongoing negotiations and evaluations.

The Springdale Borough Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing to further consider the project following the planning board’s recommendation, with residents and stakeholders continuing to engage actively in the process.

Broader Context: AI Data Centers and Community Impact

This case in Springdale reflects a broader national trend where communities grapple with the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and data centers. While such facilities promise economic growth and technological advancement, they also raise concerns about environmental justice, noise, energy consumption, and community well-being.

Repurposing coal plant sites for data centers is often seen as a positive reuse of industrial land, yet local acceptance depends heavily on transparent communication, rigorous environmental safeguards, and genuine community involvement.

Visuals Related to the Story

• Images of the former Cheswick Generating Station site, showing the industrial backdrop for the proposed project.
• Maps or aerial views of Springdale Borough highlighting the location of the data center proposal near residential areas.
• Photos or logos of Allegheny DC Property Co. and its parent company Davidson Kempner to contextualize the developers.
• Photos from public meetings or planning board sessions illustrating community engagement and discussions.
• Visual representations of hyperscale AI data centers’ typical infrastructure, including server farms and cooling systems.

The Springdale AI data center proposal exemplifies the challenges communities face amid the AI boom, balancing technological progress with environmental and social responsibility. The ongoing delay underscores the importance of thorough review and resident involvement before such transformative projects move forward.