The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners on June 17 heard updates on the proposed Atlas data center project, approved a school safety grant application and recognized a recently completed stormwater improvement project.

During public comment, resident Ryen Yanes asked township officials about the status of the proposed Atlas data center development and whether the project’s review deadline had been extended. Township manager Tom Petrucci said the deadline has been extended from July 31 to Aug. 31. He said the proposal will be reviewed by the planning commission at its July 9 meeting at Springhouse Middle School. The commission will consider plans and materials submitted in May; any new submissions must meet township deadlines for review at a future meeting.

Board President Jacob Roth said the planning commission’s July review will be based on the township staff memorandum released earlier this month and materials already submitted by the applicant. Yanes also asked whether future deadline extensions and project milestones could be communicated more formally to residents. Petrucci said staff would consider including that information in future public notices.

The board approved submitting a grant application seeking about $98,000 for traffic warning devices at Cetronia Elementary School. The project would require a township match of about $38,000. Commissioners also approved several appointments related to building code administration and inspections.

During a second public comment period, resident Dave Torrey commended township staff for the recently completed stormwater management project at the Davis-Smith Open Space property. He said that despite recent heavy rainfall, flooding previously experienced near Springhouse Middle School did not occur.

Public Works Director Herb Bender said the project includes specialized vegetation designed to absorb stormwater and improve drainage. He credited Township Engineer Tony Tallarida and public works staff for their work.

Roth said that while some tillable acreage was used to create the stormwater management area, other portions of the property were reclaimed for agriculture. The Davis-Smith Open Space property continues to be farmed, and relocating farming activities farther from the roadway improves public safety and reduces the likelihood of wildlife entering traffic.