SALEM TWP., PA — A packed crowd flooded the Salem Township municipal building Thursday night for a public hearing on two proposed data center projects, marking a stark contrast in community sentiment compared to other regional data center debates.
The meeting followed a recent ruling by Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge Lesa S. Gelb, who found the township planning commission violated the state’s Sunshine Act by holding an earlier meeting in a space too small to accommodate the public. Judge Gelb ordered the township to hold a secondary hearing to ensure proper public access and comment.
Unlike data center hearings in neighboring municipalities like Archbald—where opposition groups frequently pack halls wearing yellow shirts—Thursday's crowd in Salem Township was dominated by residents wearing green shirts to signal strong support for the development.
The grassroots backing stems largely from developer 4-3 Consulting, which approached nearly 200 local landowners earlier this year with a historic $1.2 billion land acquisition proposal. For many participating families in the rural township, the buyout offers represent a life-changing financial opportunity.
To address community and environmental concerns, 4-3 Consulting noted that its plan calls for developing approximately 20% of the total acreage, leaving the remaining 80% as preserved forest and green space. Additionally, any construction near residential property lines will be bound by a 1,000-foot setback requirement and a maximum building height restriction of 65 feet.
The proposal remains subject to final review and approval by the Salem Township Board of Supervisors.
