A massive new data center planned for the Keystone Trade Center could cause a stir.
NorthPointe Development, which is transforming the former U.S. Steel site into a major e-commerce and logistics hub, asked the Falls Township Board of Negotiations on Tuesday for permission to get around standard noise and decibel level limits set by the county ordinance.
Bryce McGuigan, a lawyer representing NorthPoint, said it had secured a tenant for the building that will be developed into a data center, but did not disclose the identity of the tenant.
McGuigan stressed that while the data center is not expected to significantly increase noise levels, the changes act as a precautionary measure.
NorthPoint Development previously conducted an ambient noise survey and found it to be in the late 50s to low 60s most of the time, but noted other factors can make the noise louder, such as when tenants are testing backup generators, said Jeremy Michael, NorthPoint Development Director.
Employees at nearby businesses expressed concern that the continued noise would disturb other businesses and local residents and could travel across the river into New Jersey.
The woman submitted an article to the zoning board backing up her concerns about noise from the data center.
In response, Mr McGuigan assured the council that the building would be fitted with special equipment designed to reduce noise emissions.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the data center’s permit variance.
NorthPointe Development, which acquired the U.S. Steel property for $160 million in late 2020, has big plans for the site. The developer is working to transform the area into a major e-commerce and logistics hub, and plans to create 5,000 to 10,000 jobs and add up to 15 million square feet of new warehouse space in a total investment expected to reach $1.5 billion.
As part of a development incentive package, the Bucks County commissioners, Falls Township and the Pennsbury School District agreed in 2020 to designate the site as a Keystone Opportunity Investment Zone from January 2021 through December 2035. The designation provides significant tax incentives to encourage development.
Previous reports on the project:
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