💻 Data center developers eye KOP

Pennsylvania’s data center boom is coming closer to home as proposals ramp up in Philadelphia’s suburbs. A recent hearing for a proposed project in the Plymouth Township-Conshohocken area was met with resounding boos and legal challenges from opponents. The project’s developer, Brian O’Neill, is also pushing for a campus of data centers in King of Prussia that would be larger than Philadelphia International Airport.

• What’s the argument? Concerns over data centers include lost tax revenue, energy policy challenges, and environmental health. The outcry has manifested in the creation of a Pennsylvania Data Center Resistance Facebook group.
• What’s the counterargument? Some argue the environmental concerns over AI’s growth are “misguided,” and Gov. Shapiro sees data center development as an opportunity to increase jobs.
• Is Shapiro’s popularity on the line? Shapiro’s staunch support for data center development puts him at odds with growing opposition from both sides of the political aisle. Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor, Stacy Garrity, called out her rival in a new ad, claiming Shapiro “sold us out” by garnering support from out-of-state data center developers.
• Development hasn’t stopped. Multiple data centers have already been constructed in the area, with two in the works in Bucks County and Cumberland County in New Jersey.
• Pennsylvania’s impact. U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (a Bucks County native and Democrat) introduced federal legislation to protect communities’ rights to reject data centers or allow them with clear protections. Khanna was inspired after hearing concerns from residents in Philly’s suburbs.
• How many projects are there? Use this map to track proposed data centers in Pennsylvania and across the country.

Learn more about the data center projects coming to the Philadelphia area — and how residents are pushing back — on today’s episode.

How Much of Your Taxes Are Paying for Trump’s Deportations?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has amped up both presence and arrests at PHL. As the Trump administration pushes for increased deportations, Pennsylvania is paying $9.4 billion for immigrant detention and deportation. [🎧 City Cast Philly, Axios]

Michelin Restaurant To Get $1.5 Million Expansion

Friday Saturday Sunday will get state assistance to acquire two neighboring properties, build an open kitchen, add more room for group dining, and create a space for sweets. The restaurant is one of three in Philly to earn a Michelin star last year. [CBS Philly, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Neglected Historic Bridge To Finally Get Some TLC

University Avenue Bridge will be reduced to one lane open in each direction for the next four months to fortify the bridge’s deteriorating steel superstructure. The bridge over the Schuylkill River, designed by renowned architect Paul Philippe Cret, has been subject to repeated vandalism. [Philly Voice]

Bellwether District Promises Many, Many New Jobs

The former site of South Philly’s oil refinery is being reimagined as an industry innovation campus and welcoming manufacturing companies. The Bellwether District’s developer predicts up to 19,000 permanent jobs on the property. [NBC10]

• Related: Meanwhile another industry hub in the city is looking to become Philly’s perfect new neighborhood. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you name the location of street art and landmarks around the city.

Do you recognize where this artwork is?