Pennsylvania Township Approves $120M Data Center Benefits Deal
Swatara Township commissioners approved a Community Benefits Agreement with Corscale Data Centers, which is building two complexes on Highland Street. The agreement could provide more than $120 million to the township. Some residents criticized the vote, saying they had not seen the agreement or had enough time to comment.
Swatara Township commissioners approved a community benefits agreement with Corscale Data Centers, which is developing Highlands East and Highlands West along Highland Street. The pact could direct more than $120 million to the township, a figure solicitor Scott Wyland described as extraordinarily large.
Before the vote, some residents urged officials to delay, saying they had not reviewed the agreement or had enough time to comment. One resident argued the topic had been public for months. Commissioner Tom Connolly said a six-year capital project list informed the deal, while Wyland said contracts are not typically shared before meetings.
The deal may reshape local finances and infrastructure planning, potentially easing burdens on existing residents if funds are used as intended. Residents who felt excluded from negotiations could see trust in local government affected, while supporters may view the investment as a way to secure community benefits from data center growth. The outcome could influence how other municipalities approach similar agreements.