Project Hazelnut 2026
NorthPoint Development Announces Direct Community Benefit Initiative for Project Hazelnut
Hazle Township, PA – May 19, 2026 – NorthPoint Development today announced a direct community benefit initiative for the proposed data center project, Project Hazelnut, in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. This initiative is designed to provide immediate and long-term support to the local community, create high-quality jobs, and ensure the project is a responsible and sustainable partner for years to come.
NorthPoint’s approach recognizes that large-scale infrastructure projects must balance technological innovation with accountability and direct community support. Establishing new energy generation capacity and updating regulatory frameworks surrounding utility tariffs will take time and are not in NorthPoint’s direct control. To help bridge the gap and protect local residents, NorthPoint is announcing a suite of direct benefits designed to offset transition-period impacts and invest heavily in host communities.
"At NorthPoint Development, we believe that responsible development is a partnership with the community, and partnerships require proactive solutions," said Brian Stahl, EVP of NorthPoint Development. "We know that while the energy market works to bring new generation online and the utility market works to update tariff structures, our communities deserve guarantees now. Through our community investments, we are ensuring that our data center projects directly protect, support, and uplift the communities we call home from day one."
NorthPoint Development is committed to the following direct community benefits and operational pillars:
- Direct Community Support: To protect local ratepayers and support the community during the critical transition period between new grid generation and updated tariff regulations, NorthPoint is committing to establish a community support fund in the amount of $30 million for Project Hazelnut. This fund will provide direct financial support to help offset potential short-term localized utility rate increases for residential customers in the Township and will be available on day one of the project being operational. The community support fund will also be available for other community directed initiatives.
- Targeted Workforce Development: NorthPoint will partner directly with Pennsylvania community colleges, vocational schools, and local trade unions to support specialized training, certification, and apprenticeship programs. This ensures the local workforce is fully equipped to secure the high-paying construction, operations, and IT jobs these facilities create.
- Protecting Water and Energy Resources: In a steadfast commitment to preserving local water supplies, Project Hazelnut is not utilizing potable water for cooling purposes. Project Hazelnut is designed to utilize reclaimed wastewater for thermal management and adheres to the highest water protection standards. The primary benefit for the community is the total avoidance of the local drinking water infrastructure for cooling. All infrastructure required for this solution will be paid for by the project – not by the community.
As the energy market, utilities, and regulators work to define new tariff structures and generation requirements, NorthPoint is committed to being part of the solution. NorthPoint is actively collaborating with energy providers to align strategies that aim to make our development a net-positive contributor to regional energy stability.
Transparency and Community Engagement: Recognizing that projects should not be shrouded in secrecy, NorthPoint commits to engaging openly and transparently with residents and elected officials. Firmly believing that the best projects are built on a foundation of mutual respect, NorthPoint will continue to provide clear, transparent information regarding its developments and will participate in constructive, civil exchanges of ideas. This will allow for productive, good-faith dialogue that is focused on collaborative problem-solving rather than rhetoric.
NorthPoint Development looks forward to working collaboratively with state and local leaders to responsibly build the infrastructure of tomorrow while putting the people of Pennsylvania first.
About NorthPoint Development
Established in 2012, NorthPoint Development is a privately held real estate operating company specializing in developing, acquiring, leasing, and managing Class A industrial, data center, and multi-family properties. We invest alongside our partners through various fund and venture structures to develop industrial and multi-family assets. We differentiate ourselves with a data-driven approach to site acquisitions and a high level of technical expertise in engineering, architecture, and construction. We’ve owned and managed over 160 million square feet of industrial space. It’s estimated that our developments have created more than 111,000 jobs and supported more than 440 industrial clients across the United States. We continue to operate with an entrepreneurial spirit guided by our Core Values, enabling us to deliver exceptional results for our team members, clients, and communities. For more information, visit http://www.projecthazelnut.com or contact media@northpointkc.com
About Project Hazelnut
Project Hazelnut is a proposed state-of-the-art data center technology campus in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, designed to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure while adhering to stringent environmental standards and responsible resource management. This world-class campus represents a significant, long-term investment in the region that will create family-sustaining jobs, strengthen the local tax base, and provide substantial new revenue for schools and public services.
Media Contact:
Lara Anderson
VP, Experience Design & Brand Integration
NorthPoint Development landerson@northpointkc.com
(816)895-8200
