Project Hazelnut developer confirms community benefits offer

NorthPoint Development confirmed that it's offering $165 million, including $10,000 payments to every household in Hazle Twp. in a benefits package if its Project Hazelnut data center gets approved.

The company on June 24 issued a news release saying it is behind the incentives described in letters that residents began receiving the previous weekend.

"Every single household in Hazle Township will receive a $10,000 grant," the news release said.

In addition, the company is offering $105 million to the township. With annual payments of $7 million for 15 years from NorthPoint, the township could pay for community priorities such as starting a police force and reducing trash collection fees, the release said.

Also, the company would provide $15 million for organizations that serve residents such as the YMCA and developing a workforce for the data center.

Project Hazelnut would have 15 data center buildings and other support buildings, require 1,300 construction workers for six year and will generate 900 permanent jobs, the news release said.

NorthPoint said its plans will align with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development Standards that the state House approved and sent to the Senate on June 24.

This is how NorthPoint said Project Hazelnut will align with the GRID principals for:

• Energy Affordability: Long-term commitments and minimum demand guarantees "ensure the cost of any transmission up grades … will be born by Project Hazelnut.

• Transparency: The comapny said it will continue to have public heaings and provide clear documents through the development process.

• Environmental Protection: Treated sewage rather than drinking water will cool the data centers. For every acre that NorthPont clears, it will preserve two acres, which will permanently protect 1,100 acres. Noise the property line won't be louder than a dishwasher and exterior lights will be directed down. The nearest building of Project Hazelnut would bed more than 1,500 feet from a home.

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