Proposed Project Atlas Data Center Near Parkland High School Draws Opposition in South Whitehall Township
A proposed Project Atlas data center across from Parkland High School in South Whitehall Township has drawn strong opposition over noise, emissions, traffic, electricity use, water consumption and effects on students. Supporters cite projected tax revenue and jobs, while the township Planning Commission postponed its recommendation as officials reviewed outstanding site, road and stormwater issues.
Project Atlas, a proposed data center across North Cedar Crest Boulevard from Parkland High School in South Whitehall Township, has been scaled back from six buildings totaling about 5.1 million square feet to three buildings totaling roughly 1.5 million square feet. The developer projects more than $16 million in annual property tax revenue and 280 permanent jobs, and says a closed-loop cooling system would limit water use while it covers required electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Parkland Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson and school officials have raised concerns about noise, vibration, diesel emissions, electrical infrastructure, environmental effects and the potential impact on classroom conditions. The original plan reportedly included 350 diesel backup generators. Residents and school-community members also questioned the project's effects on traffic, nearby parks, water and the power grid. Hundreds attended a July 9 South Whitehall Township Planning Commission meeting, while about 40 people spoke at a September 9 public meeting; on September 23, the commission postponed its recommendation while outstanding site-design, road and stormwater issues were reviewed.