I listened to the council meeting last night. The biggest concern was Bill 20 which concerns the approval of data center ordinance language to the code. Mainly a data center on Emaus Ave was the building in discussion.
There was a strong presence from the community begging council not to vote for data centers instead to vote for a currative amendment which would allow 180 days halt to allow for amendments to the implementation of data centers.
What we do know is that communities who have these data centers have seen increases in electricity bills, water bills, and impact on health and safety. Additionally there are noise and a slew of other complaints.
I can see Frank and the Mayor's office wants the data centers. I am sure for Tuerk there is pressure for him to get this done.
I really think this vote defined the word politics. Meaning, the vote was influenced by higher entities with deep pockets.
Councilperson Mota complained in previous meetings and reiterated tonight that she did not want these centers in her back yard, and basically stated she was against them. Then she voted down the currative amendment and yes for bill 20.
The reality is the data centers are coming. There is way too much money behind them. These companies have endless money to fight the city to get what they want.
However, I think council should have opted for the currative amendment to atleast give them some time to try and strengthen the bill. Pressure and fear casted their votes.
Bill 20 passed 4-2. Gerlach and Santos the only yes votes for the currative amendment.
And Napoli needs a button to mute people when they get out of order (and he doesnt control the meeting) or go past there alloted time limit or a trap door.
It was painful watching all these people go say the same thing for hours. Also some of them were saying the dumbest shit.
Also two other news worthy items
Today there was almost a 3rd teen homicide in what 3 weeks? A 14 year old girl was stabbed almost to death. Wtf is with these kids?
Where is Promise Neighborhoodz? They get all this money and what is the result? Nodda.
2nd
Conveniently, the audio failed at the county council meeting tonight. The big discussion of the "Wealth Tax" trying to be imposed on all people who work in the county. Greedy fuckers.
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1 comment:
Abe… was the sound on when you watched our meeting? We spent hours and hours making the point that no one “wants” data centers, but the PA municipal planning code forces us, and all jurisdictions, to allow for the use.
Bill 20 provides some safeguards, better vetting, environmental review, introduces setbacks… and we will begin increasing those safeguards and protections as soon as next week.
There was no option that included a pause on applications. If Council had voted for the 180 day municipal curative amendment, Allentown would have had no protections at all for data centers applying in the interim.
City Council made the wise decision to actually begin to protect this community starting tomorrow rather than do what would have been easy but misguided.
Every person that testified as an expert in the area of planning said the same thing.. enact bill 20 to institute safeguards now and then start strengthening them next week.
You should turn the sound on and watch the video again.
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