Concern over the proposed Atlas hyperscale data center continued to grow during a recent public meeting, with residents warning that the project’s effects could extend far beyond the immediate neighborhood and influence the region’s quality of life, environmental resources and future growth.

Public comments followed a standing-room-only South Whitehall Township planning commission meeting July 9 that drew significant community interest. Residents used the latest board of commissioners meeting to reiterate concerns about the project’s scale and long-term impact.

Greg Sussman, speaking on behalf of the South Whitehall Civic Alliance, said residents are looking beyond site plans and engineering details and are focused on what the development could mean for the broader community.

“They don’t see us as community partners or stakeholders,” Sussman said. “They see us as cheap land, available power, and loose regulations.”

Sussman urged officials to consider how the project could affect nearby neighborhoods, schools, senior residents and the region as a whole before moving forward with any approvals.

Resident Kathleen Bruno echoed those concerns, questioning claims made by the developer regarding noise levels, construction impacts and economic benefits.

Bruno said residents deserve more complete information about the facility’s operations, including its backup diesel generators, fuel storage, cooling systems, water consumption and potential environmental effects.

She argued that the discussion should not focus solely on the project site but on how a large-scale data center could shape the area’s future identity and attractiveness to families considering relocating to the region.

Bruno noted that strong schools and a high quality of life have long been major selling points for the area. She expressed concern that placing a massive industrial-style technology facility near residential neighborhoods could affect property values and influence future development patterns. “No amount of money is worth the cost this will do to our community and our high school,” Bruno said.

The Atlas proposal has become one of the most closely watched development projects in the region, drawing large crowds to public meetings and prompting ongoing debate about balancing economic development with community concerns.

Township Manager Tom Petrucci said revised plans submitted July 9 are under review by consultants, with comments expected by Aug. 7. The current extension deadline for the application is Aug. 31. Any additional revisions after that date would require the developer to seek another extension.

Although the project has been scaled back from its original proposal, it continues to attract scrutiny from residents who say its potential impacts on traffic, infrastructure, environmental resources and community character warrant careful review.

Additional public meetings are expected before officials make any final decision on the project.