The Data Centers

The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026

Two large data center buildings are proposed in East Whiteland Township, totaling about 1.66 million square feet on roughly 62.5 acres. County records also show a two-lot consolidation, which merges two parcels into one. News coverage ties this to a project on the former Foote Mineral Superfund site, a polluted industrial property that was cleaned up under federal oversight. The developers are Green Fig and Sentinel Data Centers.

The township approved an earlier version of the plan in 2024. In early 2026 the developers asked to make the buildings about 61% larger. After strong resident opposition, they dropped that request and said they would build the 2024 plan instead. Press reports describe the approved project as roughly 1.5 million square feet. The county's 1.66 million figure and acreage may reflect a different filing, so the numbers may not match.

Preliminary construction has begun. The township has issued two stop-work orders, the second over whether enough water is available. Residents have also threatened to sue.

What it could mean nearby

• Water: the township's second stop-work order says the developers must show the water utility can commit enough water. Residents cite a 2024 utility letter about limited capacity.
• Environmental: the site is a former Superfund property, and the first stop-work order concerned soil and health and safety plans.
• Neighborhood concerns: residents raised worries about noise, home values and the size of the buildings.
• Jobs and traffic: the sources reviewed did not give specific figures.

Where it stands

The 2024 approval stands. Work is paused under a stop-work order until the developers show a committed water supply. Residents have sent a notice of intent to sue, and the developers' separate request for changes has not been voted on. Next steps are likely further township permit reviews, possible litigation, and the November 2026 supervisor election.

• Oct 2026 Residents send the township and developers a notice of intent to sue over ordinance, water and environmental assessment concerns
• Aug 2026 Township issues a second stop-work order over unconfirmed water supply
• Jul 2026 First stop-work order over soil and safety plans at the Superfund site; work later resumed
• May 2026 Developers say they will drop the revised plan and build the 2024-approved plan
• Mar 2026 Planning commission declines to fully endorse the enlarged plan
• 2024 Township approves the original plan

Want to weigh in? The East Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors decides on any plan changes and permits, and residents can comment at its public meetings or vote in the November 2026 election.

Who's behind it

Green Fig Land and Sentinel Data Centers · Green Fig is the land developer that pursued the zoning and approvals. Sentinel Data Centers is a data center company working with it on the project.

Around the web

• East Whiteland data center (October 2026)The Philadelphia Inquirer · Oct 20, 2026Reports two stop-work orders, a dismissed court appeal, and residents' notice of intent to sue.
• East Whiteland data center Superfund stop workThe Philadelphia Inquirer · Aug 27, 2026Second stop-work order issued over unconfirmed water supply.
• East Whiteland Planning Commission Recommends Increased Scrutiny for Data Center ProposalFood & Water Watch · Mar 10, 2026Planning commission did not fully endorse the enlarged plan.
• East Whiteland residents oppose data center as planners send revised plan back for further review6abcResidents opposed the revised plan, which was sent back for further review.

Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 1, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.