A developer trying to build a massive data center near Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, is offering nearby households $10,000 checks if the project gets approved.
\n\nTom’s Hardware reports that NorthPoint Development wants to build a 1,300-acre data center in the Pocono foothills near Hazle Township, Pennsylvania. To smooth the way, the company has offered roughly 4,500 households a $10,000 check each, payable only if the facility is approved. The offer letters started showing up in June. Hazle Township’s median household income is $60,000, so for a lot of families in the community, the payment is significant.
\n\nThe Wall Street Journal, which first reported the offer, found residents split on the idea. Some seemed “eager to welcome the data center for the payout.” Others aren’t budging: the paper cataloged concerns about noise, water and energy costs, a general dislike of AI, and distrust of both AI moguls and local authorities. Some residents worry the facility could hurt property values.
\n\nNorthPoint isn’t stopping at the household checks. The company has also dangled up to $120 million over the next 15 years for community and local services, money that could go toward schools, emergency services and similar investments.
\n\nLocal officials have already said no…
Original source: https://www.breitbart.com/economy/
