Judge temporarily blocks action on data centers in Upper Merion

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A judge has temporarily blocked the Upper Merion Township Planning Commission from deliberating on proposed data centers in King of Prussia.

The injunction came last night after MLP Ventures CEO Brian O’Neill, the developer who has proposed a handful of data centers in Upper Merion, sued to force the township to grant an extension to his proposals.

The suit claims that O’Neill did not have enough time to respond to concerns over the data centers before a Planning Commission meeting Wednesday night.

The meeting was reduced to community input only, as O’Neill did not attend. Hundreds of people went, with many rallying against his proposals.

Zachary Davis, an activist with Upper Merion Against Data Centers, said he would like to see the land that would be used for data centers developed into something that serves the community.

“I want to see more mixed-use spaces,” he said. “I want to see more housing, affordable housing. I want to see small businesses thrive in our community.”

Josh Stevens, one of O’Neill’s supporters, said, “Let’s choose capitalism, progress, technology and morality.”

The overwhelming majority of those who attended the meeting were opposed to the data centers.

According to Davis, the months-long decision-making process has seen consistent turnout from community members calling for the Board of Supervisors to vote against the development plan.

The injunction adds another wrinkle, but Courtney Smith, another meeting attendee, said residents are undeterred.

“People have a right to fresh air and clean water, a right to their livelihoods not being threatened,” Smith said. “And there’s a whole community of honest, hard-working people, and we’re prepared to see this through.”

The Planning Commission recommended the Board of Supervisors vote no on three data centers last month. The board is set to meet today, although it isn’t clear if they will address the proposals.