One of the major projects in Indiana County this year is the Homer City Redevelopment project, which will affect Center Township residents with construction activity going on as the site transfers from a coal-fired plant to a natural-gas powered facility. A similar project is going on in Springdale, with many people voicing concerns about noise pollution during construction and afterwards with the AI data centers.
At the Springdale location, noise is expected to be easily handled according to Borough Manager Terry Carcella, but Center Township Supervisor Jim Bence says that because the location of Homer City Redevelopment’s project is far enough away from everything to not be a problem.
Supervisors have not enacted an ordinance for decibel levels for the project, but they will look into it.
Another concern is making sure that the community is well-educated on the project, a goal that Homer City Redevelopment has taken seriously. As of right now, Center Township residents can voice concerns with the supervisors at the monthly Township meetings during public comment, but Supervisors Chairman Matt Housholder said they value the public’s input highly.
Another concern was the traffic impact on the increase in vehicles headed to the facility. Cherry Run Road in Homer City and BlackLick Road would be used for the heavy trucks, but Route 119 through Coral would be used for employees only.
They also said that they are working with Homer City Redevelopment to make sure that peak travel times will not interfere with bus routes.