Data center clears Allentown planners despite public opposition
The Allentown Planning Commission approved Quantm Group’s revised plan to convert a 224,000-square-foot warehouse on Emaus Avenue into an 80-megawatt data center. Approval includes limits on power use, generator operations, noise, air quality and emissions, while residents and a nearby daycare raised concerns about noise, diesel fuel, electricity demand and environmental risks.
The Allentown Planning Commission approved an amended preliminary and final land development plan for Quantm Group’s proposed 80-megawatt data center at 2401 Emaus Avenue. The project would convert a 224,000-square-foot warehouse, add an electrical substation, more than 30 backup generators, sound walls and other site improvements.
Commissioners imposed conditions including a megawatt usage limit, restrictions on emergency generator operations, air-quality and emissions requirements, noise monitoring and use of a closed-loop cooling system that would not rely on public water. Developer representative Tony Maras said PPL Corp. has sufficient electric capacity to serve the facility.
Residents and representatives of nearby Camelot for Children continued to express concerns about noise, generator emissions, diesel storage, power demand and potential impacts on nearby waterways. A zoning appeal filed by the daycare was withdrawn, and the applicant said a separate legal zoning appeal had been dismissed. The project was approved despite the public opposition and concerns raised during the hearing.