Limerick Township officials said online threats related to the proposed data center near the Limerick Generating Station and Philadelphia Premium Outlets prompted the township to move upcoming hearings back to the township building and impose tighter security measures.
Township Manager Dan Kerr opened Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting by reading and paraphrasing several posts officials said they had been monitoring online. Among the statements Kerr referenced:
- "I hope the next Molotov catches these crooks in the face."
- "Politicians pushing the data center need to be violently removed from office."
- "I wonder what their response would be if the town building burnt to the ground."
Another post referenced sabotage, mentioning electricians who could "cut wires and put an additive to the diesel fuel."
“These security protocols, the limited seating, everything that we post online are going to be in place for the foreseeable future,” Kerr said. He also stressed that the decision to move the hearings back to the township building was not initiated by the board of supervisors.
“The administration and the police gave them no option,” Kerr said. “We told them we were moving them back here.”
Why the High School Was Ruled Out
A planning commission meeting and the first conditional use hearing related to the proposed large-scale data center were held at Spring-Ford Area High School in April. Township police said a risk assessment contributed to the decision to relocate future hearings back to the township building.
Police Chief Bob Matalavage said one concern was the presence of school district personnel and students at the high school during earlier proceedings.
“We did not want to unnecessarily put them in harm's way if something should happen,” he said, noting that the department would increase its visible presence at future meetings.
“It's for the safety of everybody involved, not only the board, but our residents,” the chief added, addressimg attendees. “You guys, and everybody involved in this process.”
The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Limerick Township building, with proceedings expected to conclude by 9:30 p.m.
What Residents Can Expect Inside the Hearing Room
With public interest remaining high, township officials outlined what attendees should expect at future hearings. Seating in the main room will be limited, with reserved spots set aside for those who have been granted party status. There are about 68 seats total in the main room.
An overflow viewing room in the back of the building is also expected to be available with additional seating for approximately 50 people. Officials said seating would be first come, first served, and no standing room would be permitted, including in the lobby.
Officials also said no bags would be allowed inside the building and indicated other items may be restricted depending on security needs.
Those granted party status will receive separate instructions from the solicitor’s office outlining procedures specific to hearing participants.
Township officials said the heightened security protocols and limited seating arrangements are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future. Meetings will continue to be recorded and livestreamed through the township’s YouTube channel.
Township officials said the heightened security measures will apply not only to the data center hearings, but all board of supervisors meetings as well.
Residents Also Report Receiving Threats
The discussion of security concerns extended beyond township officials. Linfield resident and party-status holder Terry Arthur told the board she had received anonymous letters warning her that opposing the data center was “the hill I’ll choose to die on.” She added that other residents with party status had received similar correspondence.
Supervisor Linda Irwin encouraged Arthur to file a police report regardless of whether the letters included a return address, calling it important to create a documented record. Board Chair Connie Lawson echoed that recommendation.
Irwin also expressed sympathy for residents who said they had received threats.
“I'm sorry that you got that letter. Like all the other residents who may have received a similar letter, I care about your safety. I care about my community as well,” Irwin said. “I do care about my residents, and it does matter to me. And your safety is a priority for us, too.”
Township Solicitor Rebecca Geiser reminded attendees that comments regarding active conditional use applications cannot formally be considered outside the hearing process itself. Public comment on the application will not occur until all parties have rested, a process officials indicated will continue through multiple hearings and potentially span months.
This article was generated with AI assistance. All content was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by John McGuire.
