AI Policy & Regulation
5d ago
Local Residents Challenge Data Center Development Amid Concerns Over Eminent Domain and Amazon's Role
Oct 4, 2026
AI Summary
Residents in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, are opposing NorthPoint Development's proposed 1,300-acre data center, Project Hazelnut, which includes a $10,000 incentive for eligible households. The project has raised concerns about eminent domain, environmental impacts, and the potential involvement of Amazon, which has not been officially confirmed.
- NorthPoint Development plans to build a 1,300-acre data center in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, known as Project Hazelnut, with a $165 million investment in the area.
- Residents received a letter offering $10,000 to eligible households in exchange for allowing the construction, but many have rejected the offer.
- Local opposition has grown, with residents filing right-to-know requests that revealed Amazon's potential involvement in the project, despite the company's attempts to keep its role confidential.
- The project faces challenges from local residents concerned about eminent domain threats from PPL Electric Utilities, which plans to build a high-voltage power line to supply the data center.
- A grassroots group, the Alliance to Stop the Line, has filed protests against the power line, citing potential property value declines and health risks.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced Project Hazelnut as part of an executive order to fast-track AI infrastructure, but has since retracted some support due to public concerns.
- Data center construction is increasingly unpopular, with about 70% of Americans opposing such developments in their areas.
- Local residents view their opposition as part of a broader national movement against data center projects, which are seen as environmentally risky and economically detrimental.
- The project has not yet received approval, and local zoning laws currently do not permit data centers in the area.
eminent domaindata centercommunity protestamazonrural issues