Fact-Check: Can Archbald Residents Stop the Giant Data Center Next Door?

Want to know more about Fact-Check: Can Archbald Residents Stop the Giant Data Center Next Door? We break down the latest insights supported by reliable sources.

Q1: Can Archbald legally ban all data centers within borough boundaries?
A1: No. Pennsylvania courts view total bans as exclusionary zoning, which violates property rights under the Municipalities Planning Code. If a municipality fails to provide reasonable accommodation for a legal commercial use anywhere within its boundaries, a developer can file a "curative amendment" challenge that bypasses local zoning rules entirely.

Q2: How much do data centers really lower surrounding residential property values?
A2: Independent property studies show that homes immediately adjacent to industrial-scale data centers often experience value discounts between 5% and 15%. The loss stems from industrial views, tree clearing, high-voltage infrastructure, and continuous acoustic hum. Homes situated further away or separated by wide topographical ridges usually see negligible direct property valuation shifts.

Q3: What is the most effective immediate action for a neighborhood coalition?
A3: Form a registered community association, hire a land-use attorney, and request formal party status at every public conditional use and zoning hearing. This preserves the neighborhood's legal right to appeal decisions in court while forcing the borough to evaluate real technical evidence on stormwater, noise, and traffic.