Protesters gathered on Monday morning to rally against a proposed high-tech artificial intelligence data center in Springdale Borough. A small crowd turned out, but with a big message: no data centers.

Community members have packed into borough council and planning commission meetings in recent weeks and months, with many voicing their concerns and opposition to the proposed plans for the data center. 

The proposed hyperscale AI data center would be at the site of the old Cheswick Generating Station, which was brought down by demolition crews over a period of nearly 18 months, starting in the summer of 2023.

"You can promise me everything, but it's not what they're going to do," protestor Sharon Spirk said. "I think we should fight this to the end."

The developer of the proposed data center estimates a construction cost between $420 million and $770 million, with an expected annual tax revenue for the borough of approximately $2.49 million and a school tax revenue increase of around 9.5%. 

While developers say the project could bring in tax revenue, residents argue it won't reach them.

"We're not going to get any of this. The county is going to get this, the school board is going to get it, and the city is going to get it. We're not going to get any of it," Spirk said.

Those not in favor of the proposed plans have raised concerns about noise, a lack of jobs, excessive water usage, power grid strain, and impacts on quality of life.

"I'm genuinely worried for the power grid. We have a much older population. If we have power outages, a lot of them are on oxygen, so there's a little bit of a health aspect we're also worried about," protestor Matt Lang said.

Developers claim the facility will meet all local noise and air quality standards and plan to pay for all water usage and monitor exhaust systems.

"If we're constantly having power outages, if we're paying more in electricity bills, if our property values go down, I can't see that outweighing all of that, and if so, the majority of taxpayers are basically getting taxed a second time," Lang argued.

The Springdale Borough planning board and borough council have delayed a final vote to allow for additional expert testimony and studies. Council will meet on Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. to listen to the rest of the testimony.