Some communities embrace the future — others fight to protect their present. In Springdale, a high-stakes battle over technology, health, and trust is unfolding right now.
By Ricky Sayer
Updated on: October 8, 2025 / 11:59 PM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh
For the second time in just two weeks, officials in Springdale Borough have hit pause on a major decision — whether to approve plans for a large-scale artificial intelligence data center proposed for the site of the former Cheswick Generating Station.
This latest delay means the borough’s Planning Board won’t be voting on a recommendation to the borough council anytime soon. Instead, they’re giving the project’s developers more time to respond to lingering concerns raised during recent meetings. One key item still pending? A noise impact study scheduled for completion on October 14th.
But even as technical details get sorted behind the scenes, community sentiment remains deeply divided. Residents continue to express skepticism — and in some cases outright opposition — to the project. At Wednesday night's public meeting, several locals voiced serious reservations about everything from long-term environmental effects to transparency from the development team.
To address these worries, developers brought in outside experts to speak directly with residents. These specialists attempted to reassure attendees that the planned facility would comply with all local regulations regarding issues such as noise pollution and air quality. However, not everyone was convinced.
One resident posed a pointed question that highlighted a growing frustration among neighbors: “You keep bringing your own health expert, your own noise expert. But where are our experts? Who can challenge what you're saying and give us a fair shot?”
Standing nearby at the time was Anna Jewart, an attorney representing the developer. She responded by explaining the legal process involved in getting approval for projects like this:
"We have an obligation to prove to the borough council — and later, potentially, to the zoning hearing board — that we meet specific regulatory criteria. That’s why we present expert testimony to back up our claims and help communicate them clearly. We can’t dictate which experts the borough hires or who individual residents choose to consult."
After the meeting, one member of the Planning Board told KDKA-TV that they’d like to see the borough conduct its very own independent review of the noise data collected so far by the developer’s consultants. Ideally, the developer would cover the cost of this additional analysis.
Looking ahead, the next formal discussion around the data center will take place at the Planning Board’s meeting on October 27th. Before that happens, however, the topic will also come up during the borough council session on October 16th, when the developer and their team of experts plan to make another presentation.
While it’s technically possible for the borough council to vote on the proposal at that October 16th meeting, planning board members indicated that such a move is unlikely unless their own recommendations are finalized first.
Ultimately, the borough council has until November 26th to make a final determination — one that must align with Pennsylvania state guidelines governing land use and environmental compliance.
So here’s the big question: As powerful new technologies reshape small towns across America, how much risk should local governments accept in exchange for economic opportunity?
Some argue that AI-driven infrastructure brings jobs, investment, and modernization. Others fear hidden costs related to health, environment, and quality of life. What do you think? Should Springdale move forward cautiously, demand stronger safeguards, or turn down the project altogether? Share your thoughts in the comments below — because this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
