Neighbors push back on Allentown data center plan, developer to refile
Quantm Group's proposal to convert an Allentown warehouse into a data center faced pushback from residents and unreviewed plan alterations. The developer plans to withdraw the current proposal and resubmit it for review by the Allentown City Planning Commission in September, aiming to address community concerns and new city regulations. Residents expressed worries about noise, water, and electricity usage, even as the city recently adopted new data center zoning standards.
A data center proposal by Quantm Group for 2401 W. Emaus Ave. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is set to be withdrawn and resubmitted after a review by the Allentown City Planning Commission. Cofounder Tony Maras pledged to withdraw the latest plans, which had not yet been reviewed by city officials, and address resident and city concerns before a planned resubmission for the commission's September 8 meeting. The proposal aims to convert an empty 224,000-square-foot warehouse into an "edge data center," promising upgraded electrical infrastructure, high-paying jobs, and significant tax revenues for the city, county, and school district.
Despite the developer's presentation highlighting benefits and comparing the project favorably to an alternative warehouse development previously approved for the site, local residents voiced strong opposition. Approximately three dozen residents attended the planning commission's rare evening meeting, expressing concerns about potential noise from the facility, its water and electricity consumption, and its impact on utility costs. Resident Alicia Ruthroth specifically criticized the developer's comparison to a warehouse, stating that residents did not want either development.
Further complicating the proposal, the Allentown City Council recently adopted a new ordinance setting specific standards for data centers, including regulations on water and electricity use, and requirements for extensive noise and environmental studies. However, Quantm Group's application was submitted prior to the council signaling its intent to consider data-center zoning, meaning the current proposal will be reviewed under older rules. The city council is also looking to change the city's noise ordinance to specifically address continuous noise and low-frequency hums produced by data centers, which would apply to Quantm's project.