A controversy over purported text messages that has been playing out on social media since last week’s packed South Whitehall planning commission meeting over the proposed Project Atlas data center has resulted in at least one person losing his job.

An employee of Scannell Properties, the main developer on the project, was reportedly photographed by people in the audience sending disparaging texts about community members who were speaking out against the data center proposed for 410 acres off North Cedar Crest Boulevard, across from Parkland High School.

Audience members posted photos on Reddit, Facebook and other online forums that they purportedly snapped of the texts over the sender’s shoulders.

The Morning Call is not publishing the photos of the texts because it can not independently verify them. But an employee of Scannell Properties who was at the meeting was fired as a result of the texts, company officials confirmed. The company did not name the fired employee.

“The comments attributed to the individual in question were his own and do not reflect the values, positions, or approach of Scannell Properties. He is no longer employed by Scannell Properties or involved in the project. Scannell remains committed to respectful, factual, and constructive engagement with the South Whitehall community,” spokesperson Debbie Reinheimer said.

No decision was made last week on Project Atlas. The developer’s application includes three data center buildings totaling approximately 1.48 million square feet along with a 40,680-square-foot administration building and a 39,167-square-foot warehouse building, for a total of approximately 1.56 million square feet.

Edges US, the firm promoting the $8.9 million project, says the data center’s noise level will be minimal and residents’ electric bills will not rise as a result of its operations.

Despite those claims, residents have largely come out in opposition to the plan, and they packed the Springhouse Middle School auditorium, where the meeting was held in anticipation of the large turnout.

Another planning commission hearing on the project is expected next month. Community members have promised to take legal action to stop its creation.