Allentown nonprofit that works with terminally ill children files zoning challenge against data center plans
Camelot for Children, an Allentown nonprofit, has filed a legal zoning appeal to challenge the city's determination that a proposed data center by Quantm LLC is permitted by-right. The nonprofit argues the data center is not comparable to manufacturing use, which is permitted in the I-3 zoning district where the project is located. The zoning appeal hearing is pending.
Camelot for Children, an Allentown nonprofit supporting terminally ill children, has launched a legal zoning appeal to challenge the city's decision regarding a proposed data center across from its South Allentown facility. Quantm LLC, a Philadelphia-based developer, plans to convert a 224,000-square-foot warehouse on W. Emmaus Ave. into a data center. The project awaits a vote from the city’s planning commission.
Allentown zoning officer Michael Handzo determined in October 2025 that data centers could be considered "permitted-by-right" in the I-3 zoning district, classifying them as similar to manufacturing uses, which are allowed in that district. However, Kevin Fogerty, an attorney for Camelot for Children, argues this determination is incorrect, citing a "gross disparity" between data center and manufacturing uses.
Fogerty also referenced a new city ordinance, approved by Allentown City Council in June, which defines data centers and allows them only by "special exception" in certain industrial zones, requiring public hearings. This new ordinance, however, does not apply to Quantm LLC's proposal as it was submitted prior to the ordinance's passage. Camelot for Children's appeal will be heard by the zoning hearing board within 60 days of its July 6 filing, though no date has been set. Mark Miller, chair of Camelot for Children's board, has expressed concerns about the data center's impact on his organization.