Allentown residents get first look at plans for Emmaus Avenue data center. Here is what we learned

Quantm Group LLC presented its plans for a data center at 2401 W. Emmaus Ave. in south Allentown to the city's planning commission, providing the public with the first detailed look at the project. Anthony Maras of Quantm Group addressed a packed audience of opponents at Allentown City Hall, attempting to alleviate concerns regarding environmental impact, noise, and electricity.

The proposed data center would involve a 23,342-square-foot addition to an existing, vacant 224,000-square-foot warehouse, which had already been approved by the city in 2022. Maras argued that the data center would be more beneficial to residents than the approved warehouse, citing lower truck traffic, reduced water usage (projected 1,500 gallons/day vs. 4,500 gallons/day for the warehouse), and an estimated $4 million annually in tax revenue. He also detailed plans for a 75-megawatt facility using a closed-loop cooling system and a $2.5 million PPL substation upgrade to be funded by Quantm LLC to manage energy demand.

Despite the developer's assurances, residents voiced strong opposition, particularly concerning noise impacts on children with special needs living nearby and skepticism about the developer's claims regarding water use, electricity, and pollution monitoring. An online petition opposing the project has garnered over 4,300 signatures. Melissa Velez, Allentown's chief city planner, noted that while the data center is a legally permitted use, it might not align with long-term planning objectives for job creation, land efficiency, and compatibility with residential areas. The Planning Commission did not vote on the proposal but provided feedback, and Quantm Group LLC plans to submit a revised land development application addressing public comments.