Project Atlas data center meeting ends without decision; deadline for vote on plan pushed to New Year’s Eve
The South Whitehall Township Planning Commission reviewed the Project Atlas data center proposal but made no decision, pushing the deadline to December 31. The project, proposed by Edged, faces significant public opposition due to concerns over its proximity to a high school, noise, and water usage. Community members expressed distrust toward the developers during public comment.
The South Whitehall Township Planning Commission met at Parkland High School to review Project Atlas, a proposed data center campus from Edged, but adjourned without a decision, extending the deadline for a vote until December 31. The development, totaling 1.5 million square feet over 410 acres across the street from Parkland High School, calls for three data center buildings, an administration facility, and a warehouse.
Public opposition to Project Atlas remains high, with over 100 residents attending the meeting to voice concerns about noise, water usage, and the project's proximity to the high school. During public comment, many speakers expressed distrust toward the developers, referencing previous incidents where a former senior development manager for Scannell Properties, the company behind Project Atlas, sent disparaging text messages about residents. Pennsylvania Senator Jarrett Coleman and Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley both spoke against the project.
Edged officials presented a technical review of previous township comments and stated they were working toward compliance with PIRT zoning district requirements. They reiterated pledges to cover all power and infrastructure upgrades, committing over $8.9 billion to the project and projecting a significant annual economic impact and tax revenue for the township. The company also highlighted the facility's efficient closed-loop cooling system for water conservation, but residents remained skeptical of these promises.