The Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Dec. 4 to adopt a zoning ordinance amendment regulating data centers.

Officials stressed the measure applies only to future applications – not the proposed redevelopment of the former Air Products site, which was scheduled to be addressed at a Dec. 16 zoning hearing.

Jeff Fleischaker said initially, “All right, really nice to see everyone came out for Jim Brunell’s final meeting tonight. I know that’s why everybody’s here. Congratulations, Jim, all these people are here just for you, because there is nothing controversial at all on the agenda. With that, we will start with the public hearing.”

Solicitor Andrew Schantz explained the ordinance as an interim step during a full zoning rewrite.

It defines data centers, restricts them to General Industrial and Rural Technology districts and sets standards for setbacks, buffering, noise, water and sewer use, power supply and emergency planning.

Both township and regional planning commissions reviewed the measure, he said.

Residents voiced concerns about noise, emissions from backup generators and impacts on nearby homes.

Suggestions included prohibiting data centers in Rural Technology zones, distinguishing cryptocurrency mining, and adding energy and water efficiency requirements.

Supervisors acknowledged several points will be revisited in the comprehensive rewrite.

The board ultimately approved the amendment.

The meeting also featured a presentation of the inaugural Kathy Rader Good Citizenship Awards, honoring residents for exceptional volunteer service.

Recipients included Bret Ludlow, recognized for nonprofit support and mentoring; Doug Gernerd, for more than 50 years in firefighting leadership and John Ellermann, for two decades of service as a firefighter and EMT.

Additionally, Laura McHugh, chair of the Upper Macungie Township Community Fund and a township resident, updated the board on the township’s community fund, which has raised over $4.38 million in private commitments to support construction of the new Community Lifestyle Center at Grange Road Park.

The project broke ground in September 2024 and continues to progress, with fundraising efforts offsetting taxpayer costs.

The board next heard a presentation from McHugh.

McHugh began by thanking the board for the opportunity to provide an update on the progress of the Community Fund, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for township residents.

At present, she said, the fund’s entire focus is on supporting the construction of the new Community Lifestyle Center.

McHugh offered a brief history, noting the project broke ground in September 2024 and has advanced quickly.

She highlighted the recent topping-off ceremony held two weeks earlier, celebrating the completion of the building’s structural framing.

She commended township leadership and staff – particularly Brian, Emily and Bob – for the way the project has been managed and for maintaining steady momentum.

That visible progress, she said, has made it easier for the Community Fund to inspire private support.

While residents can easily see construction progress from the road, McHugh emphasized significant fundraising work has been taking place behind the scenes throughout 2025.

The fund began with four founding partners – Air Products, the Butz family of companies, the Jaindl family of companies and Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

Since the fund’s presentation to the board in June, an additional 16 partners have joined at various levels of support, along with 10 individual and family donors.

McHugh noted the list of partners will be shared with the board, as a technical issue prevented the slide from displaying during the meeting.

She reported the fund has now secured $4,381,000 in committed private support, payable over 10 years.

These contributions directly offset taxpayer costs, she said, which is the core mission of the Community Fund’s work.

The fund made its first formal contribution to the project last month and is on pace to meet, or nearly meet, an average annual contribution of approximately $485,000 over the next decade.

McHugh closed by thanking Brunell personally, noting his support has been instrumental, particularly as this was expected to be his final meeting.

Board members echoed their appreciation, recognizing others who contributed to the effort, including Sean Gill and Kathy Rader.

Supervisor Jeff Fleischaker added he and his family are proud to be individual donors and encouraged other residents to consider contributing, whether through long-term pledges, future programs such as a brick campaign or anonymous gifts.

He noted information on how to donate is available through the township website and the Community Fund’s online platforms.

Residents and colleagues offered warm accolades to retiring Brunell, praising his steady leadership and significant contributions to the township.

Speakers highlighted his role in guiding the board through a challenging transition, leading the search for a new township manager in his first meeting as chairman and helping advance major projects such as the community center and enhanced support for local fire companies.

He was described as a dependable, collaborative leader who will be greatly missed, with many thanking him for always keeping the community’s best interests at heart.