Proposed Raleigh data center prompts dozens to sign up to comment
A proposal for a new 100,000-square-foot data center in Southeast Raleigh is facing significant public opposition. Residents are concerned about traffic and congestion, leading to a high sign-up rate for an upcoming public hearing. The Raleigh City Council will decide on the land annexation and zoning approval after the hearing, with the mayor indicating the council may not favor the project.
A plan to annex a 13-acre parcel in Southeast Raleigh for a 100,000-square-foot data center is encountering substantial public pushback. The site, currently zoned for industrial mixed use, is located near a residential neighborhood and businesses at the intersection of Jones Sausage Road and Rock Quarry Road. Developers are seeking annexation and approval for land use, with a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Of the 32 people expected to speak at the hearing, 30 have expressed opposition, primarily citing concerns over increased traffic and congestion in already busy areas. Resident Allyne Bibie, a Lyft driver familiar with local roads, questioned the suitability of the location so close to homes and other establishments. City representatives confirmed that 100 individuals signed up to speak, though only the first 30 will be heard within the allotted 30-minute public hearing.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell indicated that the City Council, which has not yet voted on the proposal, may not look favorably upon it. Councilmember Corey Branch, representing the district where the land is located, has not yet commented. The council will make a decision to approve, deny, or request more information after the public hearing. While Raleigh has not imposed a data center moratorium, neighboring Wake, Orange, and Chatham counties have.