Plymouth Township Officials Clash with Developer Over Proposed AI Data Center
Local officials in Plymouth Township, near Conshohocken, are in a heated dispute with developer Brian O'Neill over his proposal for a 2 million-square-foot AI data center. Township officials accuse O'Neill of bullying and intimidation tactics, including a legal challenge to…
Philadelphia, PA, July 28, 2026 —
Plymouth Township officials have publicly stated they are engaged in a significant dispute with developer Brian O’Neill regarding his proposal to construct a 2 million-square-foot AI data center. The proposed facility is slated for the site of a former steel mill located near Conshohocken.
Township officials have accused O’Neill of employing tactics described as bullying and intimidation. These accusations reportedly stem, in part, from a legal challenge O’Neill has initiated against the township’s existing zoning ordinance. The officials maintain that such actions do not reflect good-faith negotiations.
Conversely, Brian O’Neill has denied the allegations of bullying and intimidation. He asserts that his actions are aimed at negotiating in good faith and are grounded in the assertion of his property rights.
The proposed data center is part of a broader trend driven by the rapid development in artificial intelligence technology. O’Neill is reportedly pursuing multiple similar projects within the Philadelphia region, capitalizing on the increasing demand for AI infrastructure. The specific site in Plymouth Township, a former industrial area, is intended to house this substantial data center. Information regarding the permit status, inspection outcomes, code violations, or fine amounts related to this proposal was not provided in the available summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Erin McCarthy on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
