Sept. 15, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
A Bethlehem City Council committee will discuss the proposed data-center zoning amendment tonight, although a final vote might not be held until November.
Bethlehem, like many cities, is trying to update its regulations to deal with the big-box buildings that serve the Artificial Intelligence market. One center has been proposed for the city so far. Residents across the region have objected to the centers, citing concern about land use, and the potential for the price of electricity and water to increase.
Here’s a link to the zoning amendment. City Council will hold a public hearing on data-center restrictions on Oct. 6. The bill could be introduced at an Oct. 20 Council meeting, with a final vote possible on Nov. 4.
That schedule may change.
Bethlehem City Council’s Community Development Committee will meet at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Town Hall. The agenda lists the data-center item and a proposal to extend buffer-yard protections to twin houses and rowhomes.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 