Project Hazelnut

Hazle Township denied NorthPoint's land development application; NorthPoint is appealing in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas and created a $30M fund to offset potential short-term utility rate increases for residents during the appeal. Separately, NorthPoint committed to a $165M Community Benefit Fund: $45M Direct Resident Grant Fund ($10,000 grants to eligible households), $15M Community Support Fund (education/workforce training/arts/recreation/youth), and a $105M long-term commitment ($7M/year for 15 years) toward a new local police department and reduced trash fees. A judge reportedly rebuked NorthPoint's appeal effort. Hazle Township subsequently passed a 6-month moratorium/curative amendment; PA state Sen. Katie Muth has filed a statewide 3-year data center moratorium bill.