Allentown planners OK data center rules

The Allentown Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended significant zoning ordinance amendments pertaining to data centers, following a public hearing where no comments were received. These proposed changes aim to introduce specific standards and requirements for the construction, installation, and ongoing operations of data center facilities within the city. Key additions include defining "data center use" and related terms, which are currently absent from the city's code. Similar to ordinances recently adopted in neighboring Lehigh Valley municipalities like South Whitehall, North Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie, and Lowhill Townships, the amendments would require data center applicants to submit annual reports detailing water and electricity usage, including power drawn from emergency generators. Furthermore, they mandate noise and vibration studies, establish power supply standards, and require the creation of an emergency response plan. Other provisions include emergency requirements, setbacks, and buffer distance specifications, as well as standards for sewage and environmental concerns. The recommendations will now be forwarded to the Allentown City Council for final consideration. Separately, the planners also approved a new 73,500-square-foot manufacturing building on American Parkway NE, a project Scott Unger of Allentown Economic Development Corp. noted would help bring the property "back on the tax rolls."