Lackawanna County officials are exploring whether the county’s status as an affected landowner could provide a legal pathway to oppose controversial data center projects proposed in Archbald. Democratic Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Thom Welby addressed the issue during a Wednesday meeting, specifically targeting three developments: Project Gravity, Project North, and Project Green Mountain. Gaughan reiterated his commitment to using "whatever power" the county possesses to push back against the projects, which are slated for locations near a county housing authority property and a county park.
While the county does not have direct authority over municipal zoning or land-use decisions in Archbald, County Solicitor Christopher Caputo noted that the county retains the same rights as any other private landowner. This standing would allow the county to participate in municipal hearings and potentially challenge the developments if they are found to negatively impact county-owned assets. The proposed sites have drawn significant public scrutiny, as they are part of a broader wave of data center proposals that critics argue will strain local infrastructure and permanently alter the landscape of the area.
