Data center developer proposes building in Pinellas Park
American Tower has proposed building a data processing facility on a half-acre site in Pinellas Park, Florida. The city and Forward Pinellas, the county's land use agency, are exploring the option, noting that data centers are a new land use type without current definitions in the countywide plan. Public meetings are scheduled to discuss the project and the future treatment of data centers in Pinellas County.
Developer American Tower has submitted a proposal to construct a new data processing facility on the northwestern edge of Pinellas Park, Florida, near Belcher Road. The proposed site is less than half an acre in size.
Nick Colonna, Pinellas Park Community Development Administrator, stated that the city is currently neutral on the project, which is still in its early stages with only one pre-development meeting held. He emphasized the need for additional research and at least two public meetings before any decision is made due to the impacts associated with data centers.
Local business owner Tom Skipper, who operates Cordelia Cabinets nearby, expressed concern about the proposal, citing unknowns and potential traffic impacts. He plans to attend upcoming public meetings to gather more information. Forward Pinellas, the county's land use agency, confirmed that data centers represent a new land use category without established definitions or impact characteristics in the existing countywide plan. Whit Blanton of Forward Pinellas noted that the agency will meet with Pinellas Park officials and hold a public meeting on June 29 to discuss how data centers will be addressed in the county's future planning.