Bethlehem residents voice concerns over proposed Route 22 data center
Bethlehem residents are expressing concerns over a proposed data center along Route 22, citing potential negative impacts on utility costs, water quality, and air quality due to the facility's high electricity and water demands. The development is prompting discussions about balancing economic growth with community well-being, as the city also reviews its zoning ordinances.
Bethlehem area residents are raising significant concerns regarding a proposed 130,000 square-foot data center slated for 2184 Industrial Drive in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park I. The development has ignited a debate about the balance between economic growth and potential local impacts, particularly concerning the facility's substantial electricity and water consumption.
Maggie Riegel, a West Bethlehem resident and communications professor at Northampton Community College, voiced worries about rising electricity prices, compromised clean water, and declining air quality. Lehigh economics professor Alberto Lamadrid added that the scale and technology of data centers significantly influence their environmental footprint, with hyperscale facilities demanding tens or hundreds of megawatts of electricity. Jeff Ward, another Bethlehem resident, questioned Pennsylvania's preparedness for the increasing demands of data centers, drawing parallels to the region's previous warehouse boom.
These local anxieties coincide with the city of Bethlehem's ongoing process to update its zoning ordinances, a move that could take several months. Despite some residents' concerns about the rapid construction of large-scale data centers affecting farmlands and green spaces, Ward noted that the proposed Bethlehem facility's relatively smaller scale is a positive aspect compared to other regional developments. Riegel is actively encouraging residents to engage with local government through zoning and City Council meetings to influence development decisions, citing a previous successful community effort against a townhome development.
Lamadrid emphasized the importance of transparency and communication from developers, urging them to explain how they plan to manage issues like electricity and water use, and noise pollution. He stressed that discussions should focus on weighing the potential costs against the economic benefits of such developments, ensuring an informed community.