As data center development has emerged as the most widely debated development issue nationwide, the construction of a Bethlehem center appears to be a distinct possibility.

On Aug. 13, a proposal was submitted to the city by Boyle Construction for a two-story, 65,000-square-foot facility at 2184 Industrial Drive.

Director of Planning and Zoning Cathy Fletcher confirmed the project is being reviewed by city personnel.

Information regarding the project – including the city’s review letter – will be made publicly available on the city’s website before an Oct. 8 planning commission meeting, Fletcher said in an email.

The letter is a standard procedure required for any land development submission. It provides feedback and essential requirements for the developers.

As the city works through its application process, developers are trying to convince locals not to fear the environmental narratives surrounding data center development.

A recent public relations effort promoted the potential data center as one that would be energy efficient – predicting 20 percent less energy usage than industry average.

Data center critics are pushing back, however, not willing to accept information presented by the same developers who stand to profit from the potential project. The critics hold the belief – in addition to others – data centers destroy natural environments.

“Why would I want polluted water and air?” said Bethlehem resident Hillary Speck.

Speck rejects the idea that A.I. is essential technology, calling for simpler times with fewer screens.

“This A.I. stuff is so dumb,” she said. “We don’t need it. I wish we could turn back the time to when it didn’t exist.”

A recent Gallup poll concluded between 70 and 75 percent of Americans oppose data center construction in their community – with 48 percent classified as strongly opposed.

The national sentiment seems to reflect how locals feel. Bethlehem resident Colleen Marshall – along with many others – holds a viewpoint similar to Speck’s.

“The last thing we need is a data center, putting more strain on resources,” Marshall said.

“This area has not (been) developed thoughtfully, and air quality is becoming increasingly more dangerous. I hate what AI is going to do to critical thinking, employment and career opportunities.”

While Marshall and Speck are part of the anti-data center majority, the issue is not universal.

A chunk of the Bethlehem population remains bullish on the prospect of the A.I. technology inextricably linked to data centers.

Take local Mark Kuester, for example, who believes a data center would create construction jobs, tax revenue, essential technologies and more.

“All the negatives people talk about can be mitigated with guidelines and regulations,” Kuester said.

“They aren’t any worse than most manufacturing processes and certainly better than the warehouses that already saturate the area. It’s a choice communities can make, but I see them as an opportunity.”

A public hearing will be held Oct. 6 before Bethlehem City Council. The planning commission will meet Oct. 8 when the proposal will be on the table, unless an extension is requested.