East Coventry Township entered the region’s widening debate over data centers as Constellation Energy asked officials to amend zoning rules to allow the facilities, prompting skepticism from planners and residents during a Nov. 13 meeting. The request follows months of local study and comes as Constellation has quietly purchased five parcels along Route 724 and Sanatoga Road, raising questions about its intentions and the broader impacts of water-cooled, power-intensive data centers. Stacey R. MacNeal, an attorney representing Constellation, indicated the company feels there are many benefits to allowing a data center to be built, primarily economic and tax revenue benefits. MacNeal insisted Constellation is acting “as a property owner, not a developer.” Planning Commission Chairman Lawrence Tietjen challenged the company’s assertion that it is merely a property owner and said the use is too industrial for the area, while state Sen. Katie Muth (D-144) and several residents warned of risks including noise, water consumption, fire safety demands, inadequate state protections and the potential for abandoned facilities if the industry cools. No speakers supported the proposal, and township officials said Constellation will be asked to address the concerns as discussions continue.
Source: Mercury; 11/17/2025