Allentown Planning Commission to review plans for a data center this week. Here’s what to know
The Allentown Planning Commission is set to review plans this week for a proposed data center conversion at 2401 W. Emmaus Ave., amidst significant community opposition. Developers had previously withdrawn their application due to public outcry. Separately, the Allentown City Council recently adopted a new zoning ordinance to regulate future data center developments, though it does not apply to this specific proposal.
The Allentown Planning Commission is scheduled to conduct its first official review of a proposed data center project at 2401 W. Emmaus Ave. on Thursday. Developers, identified as Quantm Group LLC, seek to add 23,342 square feet to an existing warehouse, approved in 2022, to convert it into a data center. The application was initially withdrawn in June following considerable community pushback but has since been rescheduled for a special meeting, anticipating a large turnout of opposing residents.
Community members and the activist group Lehigh Valley Stands Up have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about noise, increased energy prices, and potential pollution of local waterways. An online petition against the project has garnered over 4,300 signatures. Opponents argue that such facilities are unsuitable for areas near homes, businesses, and organizations like Camelot, which serves ill children.
Separately, the Allentown City Council approved a new zoning ordinance in June to regulate future data center developments, allowing them in specific industrial zones by special exception and requiring public hearings, setbacks from residential areas, and comprehensive environmental, noise, and waterway studies. However, this new ordinance does not apply to the Emmaus Avenue proposal due to its earlier submission date. The City Council is also considering amendments to strengthen the ordinance, with a vote scheduled for August 5, following continued resident concerns.