Martin County rezoning vote draws data center concerns in Hobe Sound
Martin County commissioners considered a rezoning request for a Hobe Sound property, which sparked concerns among residents about potential data center development. The applicant, Hobe Sound Business Park, adjusted its request to a less intense industrial zoning after resident objections. The county commission is also preparing to vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on data center construction.
The Martin County Commission recently addressed a rezoning request for a property within the Hobe Sound Business Park, which drew significant concern from local residents regarding the potential for data center development. Initially, the business park sought a general industrial designation, which would have permitted more intensive uses. However, following resident objections, Bob Raynes, an attorney for the applicant, stated they agreed to a limited industrial zoning classification.
Commissioner Blake Capps expressed apprehension about future property ownership changes, fearing that the approved zoning could facilitate data center construction by subsequent buyers. Brian Nolan, a planner for Hobe Sound Business Park, affirmed that the applicant has no current intention to develop a data center on the site. Commissioner Edward Ciampi viewed the limited industrial designation as a reasonable compromise.
Separately, the commission is slated to conduct the first of two necessary votes on a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers. If enacted, this moratorium would temporarily halt data center developments, including on the Hobe Sound property, allowing the county time to consult experts and residents to evaluate the impacts of such facilities.