A plan to transform the former Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill in Plymouth Township into a massive AI data center has sparked intense debate in Conshohocken, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Developer Brian O’Neill wants to repurpose the 66-acre site on Conshohocken Road into a 2-million-square-foot facility spanning 10 buildings.
The project promises jobs and tax revenue. O’Neill estimates $21 million annually. He said the center would be built by 12,000 union workers while powering its operations with natural gas turbines. He described the proposal as “21st-century industry in an industrial building,” positioning Montco as a hub for the rapidly growing AI economy.
But residents of the nearby Connaughtown neighborhood raised sharp concerns during a Plymouth Township planning board meeting. More than a dozen speakers cited environmental risks, rising energy costs, and light and noise pollution. Patti Smith argued the project should not qualify for a zoning exception. Her roommate, Genevieve Boland, pointed to evidence that data centers can strain regional electric grids, driving up costs for households.
The planning board voted 4-0 against recommending the zoning change, though the township’s zoning hearing board will have the final say on Oct. 20. If approved, the project would still require further land development approvals.
To learn more about the proposal and community response, visit The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO.Today in October 2025.
