Allentown planners approve data center in south Allentown near homes, businesses and nonprofit
The Allentown Planning Commission conditionally approved Quantm LLC's proposal to convert a vacant warehouse near homes and Camelot for Children into a 75-megawatt data center. The project faced widespread opposition over potential noise, air pollution, electricity costs and neighborhood impacts, but opponents' zoning challenge was withdrawn before the vote.
The Allentown Planning Commission conditionally approved a proposal by Quantm LLC to add 23,342 square feet to a vacant warehouse on Emmaus Avenue and convert it into a 75-megawatt data center. Developer Tony Maras said the facility would create less truck traffic and use less water than the previously approved warehouse, while generating an estimated $4 million annually in city tax revenue.
The project is located near homes, businesses and Camelot for Children, whose attorney Kevin Fogerty had challenged the city’s determination that a data center was a permitted use. That zoning challenge was withdrawn shortly before the commission’s vote. The approval includes legally binding conditions such as noise and air-pollution testing, a sound wall, landscaping and a fund to compensate residents who successfully claim violations.
Residents and anti-data-center activists criticized the decision, citing quality-of-life, air-quality and electricity-price concerns. Planning Commission Chair Christian Brown said the application met the objective criteria in city ordinances, while opponents vowed to continue challenging data center development in the Lehigh Valley.