Data center project pulled from Raleigh agenda after public opposition
A Charlotte-based developer, Beacon Partners, withdrew its proposal for a 100,000-square-foot data center in southeast Raleigh after encountering significant public opposition. The project involved annexing a 14-acre site for water and sewer services, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled Raleigh City Council public hearing on the matter.
Charlotte-based developer Beacon Partners has withdrawn its proposal for a 100,000-square-foot, $180-million data center in southeast Raleigh, according to city officials. The decision came on Friday, just days before a scheduled Raleigh City Council public hearing where residents were expected to voice strong opposition.
The proposal sought the City Council's agreement to annex a nearly 14-acre site at 3101 Jones Sausage Road. This annexation was crucial for hooking up water and sewer services to facilitate the construction of the three-story data center.
Council members reported a deluge of opposition, with about 70 residents having signed up to speak at Tuesday's meeting and hundreds of emails flooding their inboxes over the weekend. Council Member Mitchell Silver noted that the vast majority of feedback opposed the data center. Following the developer's withdrawal, city officials worked to inform residents that the public comment period and the vote on annexation were canceled. The future of the site, currently zoned for business and valued at nearly $2.4 million, remains unclear.