The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners held its meeting March 4.

The meeting was unusual in that the courtesy of the floor segment lasted about 45 minutes, with several residents addressing the board.

The first residents to speak raised environmental and infrastructure concerns about the proposed “Project Atlas” data center.

Julie Thomas questioned whether the site is suitable due to karst geology, which can create underground voids and sinkholes that pose construction risks. She asked whether the township would require detailed geotechnical studies before approving the project.

Township staff said geotechnical reports are reviewed by the township’s engineering consultants and must address all professional review comments before development can proceed.

Alice Lentz raised concerns about the project’s proposed sand mound sewage system and potential impacts to groundwater in karst areas. She urged the township not to grant a waiver allowing the project to proceed without a completed sewage disposal report.

Lentz also questioned how much water the data center would use and what impact it could have on local water supplies, particularly as the region is currently under a drought warning.

Township officials said wastewater systems would also be reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and noted if the facility is approved with air cooling, any future change to water-based cooling would require additional township approval.

Several residents also urged the township to preserve the historic Blumer Farm along Iron Ridge Road.

Mary Hess, representing the “Photos of Lehigh Valley” Facebook page, asked township officials to place the site on a future agenda to discuss preservation and restoration of the property. She noted the farm was the homestead of Rev. Abraham Blumer, who helped hide the Liberty Bell in Allentown during the Revolutionary War.

Another speaker, Catherine Novogratz, of Northampton, said Blumer spent much of his life in South Whitehall Township and urged officials to dedicate resources to protecting the historic site.

Township officials said preserving historic resources, including the Blumer property, has been a priority and encouraged residents to work with the township’s community development staff.

The board also recognized longtime volunteer Kenneth M. Navitsky with a Distinguished Service Award for his 33 years of service to the township.

Navitsky began serving on the Fire Prevention Code Appeals Board in 1993 and later joined the South Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board in 2008, where he served for 18 years, including time as secretary and vice chairman. Although Navitsky was unable to attend the meeting, commissioners read the proclamation into the record and thanked him for his dedication to the community.