We call on the Zoning Hearing Board of Plymouth Township to protect the residents of Conshohocken and Plymouth Township from developers trying to establish hyperscale data centers.

A developer seeks to convert the 66 acre Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill, closed in June 2025, into a data center. Historically, the Cleveland-Cliffs site contributed significantly to the industrial growth of Conshohocken, dating back to 1832, operating under the Alan Wood Steel Company until 1977, and subsequent operators up until mill's closing last year. The site has been served by the Upper Merion & Plymouth Railroad since 1907, which has the distinction of being the only railroad in PA that is named for the townships it operates in.

This data center would occupy Plymouth Township's riverfront corridor and benefit two entities alone - (1) MLP Ventures and (2) mysterious Big Tech companies who refuse to disclose their identities.

But there is a better alternative! Transforming this site into a mixed-use tourism destination would boost the regional economy that a data center simply cannot do. A fantastic example already exists in Bethlehem! The SteelStacks campus, located on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel mill, is the largest revitalized brownfield in the country. The site has become a destination for arts and culture enthusiasts from those near and far:

• The ArtsQuest Center, also located on site, has numerous events and activities held on a regular basis including everything from comedy shows and concerts of all types to classes, tours, and top-notch movies shown in an alehouse-style cinema.

• The site also hosts MusikFest, the nation’s largest free music festival and 10-day celebration of performing and visual arts held every August in Bethlehem.

The potential to emulate this in Plymouth Township is not only possible, but wanted! SteelStacks is a perfect model to follow to reimagine the Cliffs site. With existing railroad infrastructure already on site, there is enormous potential and interest for establishing a transportation museum to pay tribute to Philadelphia's rich transportation history as a keystone of the overall site.

It's crucial to involve local government, businesses, and community members in the planning and decision-making processes to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the needs and desires of the Plymouth Township community. Effective collaboration and vision can lead to a sustainable and prosperous development that honors the site's historical significance while meeting changing trends.

We urge local authorities, planners, and stakeholders to prioritize a comprehensive reuse strategy that reflects the innovative spirit of Plymouth Township and Conshohocken. By acting now, we have the chance to turn the Cleveland-Cliffs site into a beacon of community-driven success and economic sustainability. Join us in advocating for a purposeful, community-centric transformation of the Cleveland-Cliffs site. Let's take this opportunity to shape a better future for Plymouth Township! Please sign this petition to support an alternative vision and against the data center proposal.

(For more information on the data center proposal, click here!)