Residents in several Delaware County communities are expressing concerns about the possibility of having a data center in their backyards. The concerns come after residents learned that a developer is considering a property along Ridge Road in Trainer for a data center. If built, the facility wou ld be surrounded by homes on at least two sides. NBC10 spoke with people on both sides of the border who said they are joining forces and fighting back. “It’s almost like we’re being punished for something. We don’t deserve this,” Lorraine Delassio said. Delassio lives about a football field away from the land where developers are considering building a data center. “Fourteen years ago I moved here. I’m retired. I thought that I wasn’t gonna have to move anymore. And I’m not looking forward to having that right at my front door,” Delassio said. Link Logistics recently received preliminary zoning approval from Trainer Borough but told NBC10 it is still exploring its options and has not submitted any formal proposals to the borough. A company spokesperson shared the following statement with NBC10 on Thursday: “We are pleased to have received a favorable Preliminary Opinion from Trainer Borough. This is not a building permit; any project, should we decide to pursue, will require an application and Borough approvals. We regularly evaluate opportunities to enhance the property in ways that support the region’s industrial and economic growth. We appreciate the feedback we are hearing from the community, and if plans for the property move forward, transparent community engagement will be an essential part of the planning process, including engaging residents and stakeholders throughout the Borough’s full review process.” If the data center moves forward and is built in Trainer, it would border homes in the borough as well as homes across the border in Marcus Hook. “We’re not a rich, affluent neighborhood. So, why are they picking here? Why not out where there’s more space?” Christine Reeder said. People from both towns gathered Wednesday night for a community meeting to discuss their concerns. “It shows you people are concerned. They’re afraid. They want to learn so that they can fight together,” Zulene Mayfield, chairperson of Chester Residents Concerned with Quality Living said. Many people at the meeting said they already deal with enough pollution and are ready to fight back. “We’ve all come together. Now they have hell to deal with,” Mayfield said. Trainer Borough officials said they have not received any formal application for a data center. The mayor said the borough is aware of the proposed project but that no formal approvals have been granted. For now, residents are waiting to see what happens next. ...read more read less