Taylor Meise posted on FB:
Cross posted from https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EbxwvUQdT/ as you all know, there are too many coincidences
Thank you to John Kameen from the Stop First Energy Group for bringing this to our attention. The same developer behind the Smithfield Gateway project does indeed own 273 acres right off of 739 right next to the Middle School in Dingman Township. Based upon research they have been working to acquire the property since 2014 and began acquisitions in 2018 through 2021. It is worth noting Shawnee Walker was first conceived around this time after the storm earlier that year. That said, the Smithfield Gateway recently had a data center added to its plans, THIS WAS NOT A PART OF THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF THE PROJECT. While the timeline for this acquisition may not have been done so with the intention of a data center, it certainly could be repurposed as such especially if the Birchwood Substation gets bumped up to 69Kv and Shawnee-Walker is built. I would also like to add that DEPG has already granted the Easements for power distribution for 19 acre Lot 135.00-01-03.003 , the language is broad.....
"The Facilities may include, without limitation, poles (with or without crossarms), guy wires, guy stubs, anchors, street lights and standards, transformers, transformer pads, switching compartments, conduits, conductors, ducts, wires, cables, fibers, pedestals, terminal boxes, manholes, hand-holes and other related equipment and apparatus from time to time deemed necessary or convenient by Grantee to accomplish the above purpose."
The right of ways themselves appear to be about 15 ft, however, this could change and still be able to manage 34.5Kv. It's also worth noting the easements were acquired after the transmission line was announced. Whether they plan to put a data center here or not is uncertain but you can bet they're planning something especially if they have the power easements. It's also likely this can change as that only covers 7% of the property and they did so with the Smithfield Gateway. Quite frankly this could be the perfect candidate for them if Shawnee-Walker is built as is and possibly even if it's re-routed, it's just too hard to say. Regardless Dingman Township and Pike County residents need to watch this property like a hawk, its just all too convenient. Please keep spreading the word and thank you again to John for bringing this revelation. Unfortunately, it seems there are people who have plans for our area, now they're in the light, we will have to see what happens.