Developer withdraws data center application in Lakeland, Florida, amid opposition
A developer has withdrawn its application for a 600,000-square-foot data center in west Lakeland, Florida, following intense community opposition and a city review that found data centers are not specifically allowed under current land development codes. The project, code-named "Project Swan," faced significant hurdles, including concerns over zoning, water and electrical capacity, and traffic, though city officials note the withdrawal does not necessarily mean the project is permanently dead.
The developer of a proposed 600,000-square-foot data center, identified as "Project Swan," in west Lakeland, Florida, has voluntarily withdrawn its application. The move came shortly after more than 50 residents attended a City Commission meeting to express strong opposition and following a comprehensive 13-page review from 15 city departments outlining numerous concerns.
Executive Planner Audrey McGuire's analysis was a significant finding, stating that the City of Lakeland's Land Development Code does not specifically list data centers as a permitted use, implying they are a prohibited use unless successfully argued otherwise. McGuire also noted that data centers are not permissible under the current planned unit development for part of the property and could result in negative impacts on surrounding residential areas. The review also highlighted potential requirements including annexation of county land, changes to land-use designations, and creation or modification of Planned Unit Development zoning.
Additional departmental reviews raised concerns about critical infrastructure, including limited wastewater system capacity, the need for detailed information on water and electrical demands, and issues related to transportation, flooding, drainage, and wetlands. Despite the withdrawal, Lakeland Communications Director Larry Little indicated that the application is not necessarily permanently halted, stating, "This doesn't end the process. There's no final decision. ... Right now, it just puts the ball in their court."
The developer now has an indefinite period to consider its options based on the city's comments.