Data center clears Allentown planners despite public opposition #shorts

News Clip0:3769News WFMZ-TV·Allentown, Lehigh County, PA·10/14/2026

The Allentown Planning Commission approved an amended preliminary and final land development plan for an 80-megawatt data center on Emmaus Avenue. The project, represented by developer Tony Maras of Quantum Group LLC, received public opposition and raised concerns about its substantial power demand.

zoningoppositionelectricitygovernment
Gov: Allentown Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission granted amended preliminary and final land development plan approval for an 80-megawatt data center proposed on Emmaus Avenue within the city. Tony Maras, representing Quantum Group LLC, presented the project to commissioners.

Commission members expressed concern about the facility's electricity needs, noting that only the city's waste treatment center currently draws a comparable amount of power. Despite public opposition and infrastructure concerns, the commission approved the development plan.