NorthPoint Development has initiated plans for a significant data center in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, following a substantial land acquisition costing approximately $23 million. The company, based in Kansas City, Missouri, intends to construct what will be the largest data center in the region, adjacent to Eagle Rock Resort. This facility is projected to require 300 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 90,000 homes, and will utilize millions of gallons of treated wastewater for cooling purposes.
The proposed data center, part of the ambitious Project Hazlenut, is located on a 1,250-acre site south of Tomhicken Road and Black Creek. NorthPoint plans to build a total of 15 data processing buildings in the area, with construction slated to begin between 2026 and 2029. The site will be strategically positioned near established infrastructure, including Eagle Rock Resort to the west, Humboldt Industrial Park to the south, and Interstate 81 to the east.
In recent months, NorthPoint’s plans have sparked controversy, particularly regarding the power supply for the data center. The energy will be sourced from a 500-kilovolt line, with a switchyard and substation proposed on the site. This plan has raised concerns among local residents, leading to petitions against the project. Many fear the impact of tall power poles on their properties, prompting public meetings attended by local officials to address community concerns.
Economic Impact and Development Challenges
Despite the opposition, NorthPoint has highlighted the economic benefits that Project Hazlenut is expected to bring to the region. According to the office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the technology park associated with this development is part of the state’s Fast Track economic development program and is anticipated to create 900 permanent jobs.
The company has a strong track record, having developed industrial buildings across 27 states and opened 37 data centers in 18 states so far. In Northeast Pennsylvania, NorthPoint owns several properties, including warehouses for companies like Chewy and DHL. The recent acquisition of land has resulted in NorthPoint holding a significant portion of land in the Hazleton area, including approximately 1,583 acres in Hazle Township.
Local officials have expressed mixed feelings about the development. Concerns regarding the impact of the power line on local residents have led to discussions about potential tax breaks granted to NorthPoint. The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program, or LERTA, allows the company to pay reduced property taxes for a decade. Some members of the local school board have indicated they would reconsider these tax incentives if they had known about the extensive power line plans.
Environmental Considerations and Future Plans
The cooling requirements for the data center are also raising environmental questions. NorthPoint intends to utilize treated wastewater from the Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority, which will involve constructing a pipeline and pumping station. This approach aims to minimize the environmental footprint while addressing the cooling needs of the facility. The company has agreed to pay approximately $10 per 1,000 gallons of gray water, with costs potentially reaching $28,000 per day during peak summer usage.
As NorthPoint moves forward with its plans, local residents are keenly aware of the implications for their community. The proximity of the proposed data center to residential areas has prompted discussions about the future of the land, including potential developments that could either enhance or disrupt the local environment. The company has indicated that it intends to maintain a significant distance from residential lots, adhering to zoning requirements.
While the community grapples with the challenges posed by the data center and associated infrastructure, NorthPoint Development remains focused on delivering a facility that meets the growing demands of data processing and artificial intelligence. The success of Project Hazlenut will not only depend on its economic viability but also on how effectively it addresses community concerns and environmental impacts.
