Full Breakdown
Former State Rep. Todd Eachus Removed from Kline Township Planning Hearing on AWS Data Center
7/2/2026, 11:51:53 PM
Incident Overview
On June 30 2026, Kline Township police removed former state Rep. Todd Eachus from a Planning Commission hearing at McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School after he refused to give up the podium. Eachus resisted officers and was escorted out. Police chief Justin Farley said a Facebook threat of a “shoot-up” led to metal-detector screening and bag bans. Eachus was arrested on aggravated assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and disrupting a meeting.
AWS Data Center Proposal
AWS plans a 380-acre Innovation Campus north of Lofty Road, bounded by Lofty and Haddock roads. Purchased for $178 million in 2025, the site would hold nine buildings totaling ~2 million sq ft, the tallest 65 ft. AWS requests 15,000 gal/day for bathrooms and 100,000 gal/day for cooling (used 2 % of the time). The project promises 400-500 jobs at $80-100 k annually, most requiring community-college certification, and includes training with local schools. Noise models predict compliance with township limits, and a landscaped buffer zone will mitigate sound.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Farley said the Facebook threat justified metal-detector screening and bag bans. Planning commission solicitor Mark Semanchik said only Kline Township residents could speak, per the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. An AWS spokesperson highlighted projected jobs, salaries and training. PPL regional affairs director Jane George said the six-mile transmission line would not raise electric rates. Fire chief Robert Leshko asked if fire-safety reserves were adequate for the larger complex.
Criticism & Opposition
Resident Zachary Chamberlain feared the data center’s electricity demand could raise rates; Jane George said rates are unlikely to increase. Haddock resident Daniel Leshko said officials have not had enough time to fully assess the proposal, calling preparation incomplete.
On-the-Ground Accounts
The Shenandoah Sentinel reported a planning-commission member shouting “no” as Eachus approached the podium. Eachus answered, “You’re going to yell at me, sir? In front of all these people,” and was seized by three officers. He said he had never been treated that way on the House floor and insisted his neighbor perspective deserved a voice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One report says Eachus was arrested on multiple felonies and a misdemeanor; another says it was unclear whether charges would be filed, showing a reporting discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You’re going to yell at me, sir? In front of all these people,” — Todd Eachus, former state representative
- “I’ve been on the House floor, I’ve never been treated like this.” — Todd Eachus, former state representative
- “I just want to be sure that we have enough available reserves,” — Robert Leshko, McAdoo Fire Chief
- “There’s not enough information to make a decision.” — Daniel Leshko, Haddock resident
What’s Next
The planning commission will forward a recommendation to Kline Township supervisors, who have final authority. A continuation hearing is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, after which the supervisors will decide on the Innovation Campus.
