Project Hazelnut | June 2026
NorthPoint Development Enhances Historic $165 Million Community Benefits Commitment for Project Hazelnut, Aligning with GRID Standards
Revised proposal delivers unprecedented direct resident grants, long-term township investment, and strict environmental commitments—setting a new benchmark for responsible data center development in Pennsylvania.
Hazle Township, PA – June 24, 2026 – NorthPoint Development today announced a landmark $165 million community benefits commitment as part of its revised proposal for Project Hazelnut, a proposed multi-building data center campus in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. The revised proposal results from input from residents, community stakeholders, and others — and directly incorporates the feedback that shaped those conversations into binding financial commitments that will benefit Hazle Township families for generations.
NorthPoint is committed to ensuring the project is aligned with the recently announced Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Standards. The revised commitment is designed to ensure transparency and accountability for data center development in the Commonwealth.
“What we have brought forward today is a fundamental commitment to this community,” said Brian Stahl, EVP of NorthPoint Development. “The $165 million community benefits commitment is the most direct, resident-first investment we have ever made. It provides funding and the groundwork to provide additional services this community deserves, and ensures this project continues to be held accountable to the high standards the Commonwealth has set. We are proud to build here, and we intend to earn the trust of this community every single day.”
A $165 Million Commitment to Hazle Township
The community benefits commitment represents an unprecedented level of direct financial investment in a Pennsylvania municipality. It is structured in three components:
- $45 Million Resident Grant Fund: Every eligible household in Hazle Township will receive a $10,000 grant, paid upon the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the first Project Hazelnut building — anticipated in late 2027. Residents may use these funds at their discretion, including home improvements, energy upgrades such as solar installation, landscaping, or other household priorities.
- $15 Million Community Support Fund: Dedicated grants to support community-directed initiatives, including workforce development, educational training, arts and recreation, and youth programs. Funds will benefit local institutions such as the community college, the YMCA, and other organizations that serve Township residents.
- $105 Million Long-Term Township Investment: A 15-year commitment of $7 million per year in funding for Hazle Township. This sustained investment is intended to support transformational community priorities — including the establishment of a dedicated Township police force and the reduction of trash collection fees currently paid by Hazle Township residents.
Meeting GRID Alignment
Project Hazelnut’s revised proposal is designed to align with all four pillars of the GRID Standards — the Commonwealth’s new accountability framework for responsible data center development:
- Protecting Energy Affordability: The necessary power capacity has been secured for the project. Long-term service commitments, minimum demand guarantees, and financial protections with PPL will ensure the cost of any transmission upgrades required to serve the project is borne by Project Hazelnut. This ensures Project Hazelnut pays its full share of costs.
- Promoting Transparency and Community Engagement: NorthPoint is committed to ongoing, open dialogue with Township officials and residents. The company will continue to hold public information sessions, provide clear and accessible project documentation, and engage constructively with community concerns throughout the development process.
- Supporting Workforce and Economic Development: Project Hazelnut will generate more than 1,300 construction jobs over a six-year development period and over 900 permanent operational positions. NorthPoint will partner with the local community college, vocational schools, and local trade unions to ensure the regional workforce is trained and positioned to fill these roles.
- Strengthening Environmental Protection: Project Hazelnut will use zero local drinking water for cooling, relying exclusively on reclaimed wastewater. For every acre cleared, NorthPoint will conserve two — permanently protecting over 1,100 acres of local forest and open space. Sound at the property line will not exceed household dishwasher-level decibels, and all exterior lighting will be dark-sky compliant and directed downward.
Strategic Siting and Low-Impact Design
Project Hazelnut is sited on over 1,000 acres directly west of I-81 and north of the Humboldt Industrial Park. The nearest building is over 1,500 feet from the closest home. NorthPoint has designed the campus with the specific intent of minimizing the impact on the daily lives of its neighbors.
NorthPoint Development has been invested in Northeastern Pennsylvania for over a decade, with more than a billion dollars committed to the region and thousands of jobs supported. This project reflects that long-term commitment — and the belief that the best development happens when a company and its community grow together.
“NorthPoint was founded on the principle of doing the right thing, every time,” said Nathaniel Hagedorn, CEO and Founder of NorthPoint Development. “Project Hazelnut is not just an investment in infrastructure — it is an investment in the people of Hazle Township. We look forward to working with Township leadership and residents to make this vision a reality.”
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. NorthPoint has owned and managed over 160 million square feet of industrial space. Its developments are estimated to have created more than 111,000 jobs and supported more than 440 industrial clients across the United States. For more information, visit 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
