Judge weighs challenge to PAX-1 data center in Middlesex Township

Judge hears arguments in challenge to PAX-1 data center in Cumberland County Updated: 9:58 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Tom Lehman Reporter Judge hears arguments in challenge to PAX-1 data center in Cumberland County Updated: 9:58 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Tom Lehman Reporter HARRISBURG, Pa.

The Details

A Cumberland County judge heard arguments Friday over whether neighbors filed a timely zoning challenge to the PAX-1 data center project and whether work should be halted at the 693-acre site in Middlesex Township.

Residents opposing the project contend the township engaged in improper “spot zoning” by allowing the data center on land surrounded by homes and farmland. Spot zoning generally refers to treating a particular property differently from surrounding land through zoning rules.

The developers argue the neighbors waited too long to challenge the zoning decision. Nathan Wolf, an attorney representing the households, said the challenge was filed on time.

“You have a developer that is frantic that if you get a hearing on a spot zoning challenge, that they’re going to lose,” Wolf said. He accused the developers of looking for ways to persuade the court to dismiss the case.

An attorney for the developers declined to comment after the hearing.

Middlesex Township resident Andrew Dymski said opponents want an opportunity to present expert testimony about the project’s potential effects on nearby homes.

“We want the opportunity to bring in expert witnesses who aren’t lawyers, who are actually people who can speak to the adverse impacts of this use on this site,” Dymski said. “Because 16 massive data centers don’t belong on farmland surrounded by homes, it will have an adverse impact on those homes.”

The judge could rule in the coming days. Any decision could be appealed.

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