The conditional use hearing scheduled for Monday night on the proposed Pennhurst data center project in East Vincent Township has been postponed due to severe weather forecasts affecting the region.
Township officials announced Monday that the applicant, Penn Hurst Holdings DE, LLC, will not appear at the hearing originally scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at East Vincent Elementary School. The decision comes amid severe storm forecasts and a tornado watch, as well as school closures and other precautionary actions taken by local and state authorities.
Despite the postponement, the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors will briefly convene the hearing as scheduled in order to formally continue the proceeding and establish a new hearing date, as required under Pennsylvania’s Municipal Planning Code. The new hearing date is expected to be announced on the township’s website Tuesday.
Officials also encouraged residents and others who planned to attend the hearing in person to remain at home for safety reasons. The meeting will still be available to watch through a Zoom livestream.
The hearing concerns a conditional use application submitted by Penn Hurst Holdings DE, LLC for a large-scale data center project proposed on the Pennhurst property in East Vincent Township. The project has drawn significant public interest and scrutiny in recent months.
Originally scheduled for the township building, the hearing had already been moved to East Vincent Elementary School at 340 Ridge Road in Spring City to accommodate the anticipated turnout.
In February, the East Vincent Township Planning Commission unanimously recommended denying the application after reviewing the proposal. Commissioners cited what they described as technical deficiencies and concerns related to zoning compliance.
The conditional use hearing process allows the Board of Supervisors to evaluate whether the proposal meets the standards required under township zoning regulations. During the hearing, the applicant typically presents testimony and evidence supporting the project. If granted formal party status, residents and other participants may also provide testimony or challenge aspects of the proposal
Individuals seeking formal party status in the hearing may submit applications to Township Manager Robert Zienkowski by email or by delivering them to the township office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Party status allows participants to present evidence, question witnesses, and otherwise participate directly in the quasi-judicial hearing process.
Township officials also previously noted that in-person attendance is generally required for those seeking party status, though exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis if circumstances beyond an individual’s control make attending impossible.
In addition, the township has prohibited signs, posters, banners, and other display materials inside the hearing venue in order to maintain clear visibility and safe passage for attendees and to avoid disruptions during the proceedings.
The rescheduled hearing date will be posted on the East Vincent Township website once it is determined. The project is expected to continue drawing significant public attention as the review process moves forward.
