Allentown lawmakers support bill that would restrict large data centers to a few dozen properties

Allentown, Pennsylvania legislators are backing a new ordinance, Bill 20, to regulate data center development within the city. The proposed legislation, recommended by the Allentown City Council's Community and Economic Development Committee, would restrict data centers over 50,000 square feet to the city's "most intense" industrial zones on properties of at least five acres. Planning Director Jennifer Gomez stated that only 36 parcels meet these criteria, many of which are already in use. The ordinance, crafted with input from Allentown's Environmental Advisory Council, seeks to define data centers, establish specific zoning details like setbacks and heights, and mandate extensive studies on water and electricity use, noise, vibrations, and environmental impacts. Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach urged amendments to strengthen water-use provisions, advocating for mandatory water-efficient cooling. The move comes as other Lehigh Valley municipalities, including Allen Township, Upper Macungie, and South Whitehall Township, are also grappling with proposals from developers like Prologis, CDE Acquisitions, and Air Products for new hyperscale data centers, prompting a regional effort to prepare for anticipated development.