Data center proposal near Executive Education Academy Charter school reviewed by zoning board
A data center proposal by J.G. Petrucci in Allentown, PA, is currently under review by the city's Zoning Board. This review is occurring after the Allentown City Council recently passed Bills 20 and 52, which establish stricter zoning regulations and safeguards for data center development, particularly concerning water usage and environmental impact. Mayor Matt Tuerk emphasized that the proposal will be evaluated against these new laws.
The Allentown Zoning Board is currently reviewing a data center proposal from developer J.G. Petrucci for a single-building facility near American Parkway and the Executive Education Academy Charter School in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This project is noted as one of the smaller data centers proposed for the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk confirmed the proposal's review, emphasizing that it will be evaluated against existing city laws, including newly enacted restrictions. The Allentown City Council recently passed "Bill 20," which places restrictions on data center development, and subsequently amended it with "Bill 52" on August 5, approving stricter zoning regulations and safeguards.
Mayor Tuerk highlighted the importance of addressing basic questions about water usage and potential environmental and neighborhood impacts before approving such developments. Frank Kane, Allentown's managing director, identified the proposal's address as 1024 N. Bradford Street, near Coca-Cola Park. The city seeks to balance the economic benefits of development, like increased tax rolls, against the uncertain potential costs.