A developer is officially ending plans for a major Lehigh Valley data center project

Air Products has officially confirmed the termination of its plans for a significant data center project in Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania. The company announced its decision not to appeal the Upper Macungie Township Zoning Board's May 27 ruling, which had denied its application to construct the 2.6 million-square-foot data center complex on its former headquarters property.

According to Air Products spokesperson Art George, the company appreciates the engagement of township officials, residents, and other stakeholders throughout the process. The Zoning Board's decision came after it first rejected Air Products' request for a third continuance and then voted against allowing the data center in the township's light industrial district, a meeting heavily attended by local residents.

State Senator Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that data centers are a poor fit for the Lehigh Valley. He emphasized the importance of local control and has authored a bill that would enable municipalities to enact 18-month moratoriums on data center applications. This pause would allow them to revise zoning ordinances and address concerns such as power supply, water consumption, noise, and setbacks. The bill has advanced out of the Senate Local Government Committee and awaits a vote.

With the Upper Macungie project concluded, opposition efforts are expected to shift to neighboring South Whitehall Township, where residents are contesting the proposed Project Atlas data center near Parkland High School. A planning commission meeting for this project is scheduled for September 23, with the venue moved to accommodate a large anticipated crowd.