The East Allen Township Board of Supervisors recently granted conditional use approval for BrightFarms’ 1.5 million-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse complex, marking a crucial milestone for the project. The approval allows BrightFarms to move forward with its plan to construct a state-of-the-art facility on 112 acres of land at the northeast corner of Locust and Arrowhead roads. This land, currently used for agricultural purposes, will be transformed into a hub for sustainable farming, utilizing hydroponic techniques to grow fresh produce locally year-round.
Hydroponic farming methods used by BrightFarms do not require pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly option for urban and suburban areas. Their produce, including lettuce and other leafy greens, is grown under controlled conditions and can be harvested and shipped to local stores within hours, significantly reducing transportation emissions and food waste compared to conventional methods. “Lettuce should be grown to be eaten, not trucked around,” BrightFarms emphasizes on its website.
The 1.5 million-square-foot complex will consist of four greenhouses and two work center buildings (headhouses) totaling 318,000 square feet. The entire development will be constructed over approximately eight years, in phases, starting with the development and installation of the greenhouses. These structures are designed to optimize space and efficiency, using the latest in climate control and LED lighting technologies to ensure the best growing conditions for crops.
The development is seen as a significant investment in the local economy, with BrightFarms receiving a $3 million Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program grant from the governor’s office. This grant reflects confidence in the project’s ability to stimulate job creation and economic growth in the region. The township’s Agricultural/Rural Residential zoning district permits greenhouses by right; however, uses deemed as “intensive agricultural land development” require a conditional use hearing, which was successfully passed.
The project still requires approval through the township’s land development process before construction can begin. This process will involve detailed plans for soil management, stormwater control, and community impact, among other considerations. BrightFarms has not yet responded to requests for comment, but the path forward is clear: this development could significantly alter the local agricultural landscape by providing fresh, locally-grown produce more efficiently than traditional farming methods.
BrightFarms’ 1.5 million-square-foot hydroponic farm represents a significant advancement in the movement toward sustainable and locally-produced agriculture. As the project moves forward, it will not only create jobs and boost the local economy but also set a new benchmark for efficiency and sustainability in commercial farming. The emphasis on pesticide-free, locally-grown produce aligns with increasing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality food with a lower carbon footprint. As the development progresses through the land development process, the entire agricultural sector will be watching closely to see the impact of such a large-scale, innovative farming project.
