The Upper Milford Township board of supervisors March 5 meeting opened with public input from resident Frank Kuklics who expressed concern for the data center proposals invading the Lehigh Valley.

Kuklics expanded on his previous comments on data centers.

“Upper Saucon enacted an 11 page ordinance regarding data centers. Upper Macungie did (one) last December and Whitehall also,” he said.

Kuklics warned the board of supervisors “statewide, there are over 50 data center proposals in the works taking off like wildfire. The Commonwealth recognizes the problem and is creating a model for municipalities to use. Even “Time” magazine shared an article about this type of development,” he continued.

Kuklics told the board it is important to “define what a data center is and its impact on municipal sizes, water, air quality, white pollution, noise pollution, electrical, water and fire protection.”

Kuklics noted excessive noise can make data canters a “miserable neighbor.”

He shared he has worked on generators and these are necessary to keep them up and running, especially during power outages the generators generate loud noise levels.

Kuklics admitted “we can’t stop development but updated safeguards can be in place to protect people, land and quality of life.”

He warned data center developers are drawn to areas with lax concerns.

Kuklics encouraged the board to establish a plan of preparedness regarding data centers in the township.

Also in public comment, Assistant Vice President of the East Penn Chamber of Commerce Hayden Rinde and Manager of Affiliated Chambers Chloe Krempasky thanked the board of supervisors for helping them establish connections with township businesses.

They informed the board of the resources they have available to assist new township businesses. They can assist with marketing and events such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies. They noted Township Manager Bud Carter attends their monthly meetings to keep them informed of new township businesses and events.

Rinde said the East Penn restaurant week wrapped up last week and shared upcoming events including “Inside Investigations: A Coroner’s Office Experience Take 2” scheduled April 14 and “Behind the Mold: A Smooth-On Facility Luncheon Tour” scheduled June 3.

Krempasky explained additional information on the chamber’s web page www.lehighvalleychamber.org provides initiatives the chamber can support in the community such as the 250th celebration event Supervisor John Zgura has been organizing for the township. “We will help market that event,” Krempasky noted.