The proposed development of the Pittsburgh area’s largest hyperscale data center in Upper Burrell Township has hit several roadblocks, including a data center moratorium new zoning ordinance proposals, and a land use appeal challenging the project’s progress. The controversy has galvanized local residents, with over 50 attending a recent board of supervisors meeting to voice their concerns.
Upper Burrell resident David Ostrosky expressed skepticism about the project, contrasting it with the positive impact of former site owner Alcoa. “
Legal Challenges and Community Concerns
The data center developer, TECfusions began its expansion into Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2023. However, the project has faced significant pushback from residents and environmental advocates. Guy Fuller a New Kensington resident and co-plaintiff in a lawsuit against the board, emphasized the need for accountability: “It doesn’t look good when you don’t answer questions.”
Board Vice Chair Kenneth Slahtovsky defended the board’s efforts, acknowledging the learning curve involved in regulating such projects. “I wake up in the middle of the night, turn my phone on and read data center material, because that’s all that’s on my phone these days,” he admitted, highlighting the board’s commitment to understanding the complexities of data center development.
TECfusions’ Project Details and Controversies
TECfusions’ sprawling 1,400-acre campus, known as TECfusions Keystone Connect could generate up to 3 gigawatts of computational power once fully operational. However, the project has sparked debates about the township’s ability to approve permits and land development plans without a formal zoning process. Fuller and other residents argue that the township effectively “grandfathered” TECfusions into the site, bypassing necessary zoning procedures.
The controversy has led to a land use appeal submitted by Protect PT an environmental advocacy organization, along with Fuller and fellow New Kensington resident Allen Uhler. The plaintiffs contend that the board of supervisors should have required TECfusions to obtain a special exception to operate on the site before proceeding with the land development plan.
Regulatory Hurdles and Community Input
In response to resident pressure, the township established a 180-day moratorium on new data center development in May. However, the moratorium does not apply to building permits already granted to TECfusions for work related to Building J, which is already operational. The board approved a land development plan for the building on August 5, allowing TECfusions to make electrical and mechanical upgrades.
Residents have expressed concerns about the introduction of a power generation requirement in the new zoning ordinance. The draft ordinance defines data centers and limits their construction, but the power generation requirement has raised new questions. Several public speakers urged the board to either include regulation of the power generation station into the data center ordinance or pass a separate ordinance before the data center one.
Slahtovsky acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that “my hands are full with what we have here.” The moratorium is set to end on November 2, adding urgency to the regulatory process. The township’s planning commission will meet on September 15 to review the latest ordinance, with residents hoping for a transparent and inclusive process.
The ongoing battle over the data center project highlights the tensions between economic development and community concerns. As Upper Burrell Township navigates these challenges, the outcome will have significant implications for the region’s future.
