Florida data center developers table request amid protest, for now
Developers for the Project Neptune data center in Fort Pierce, Florida, tabled their rezoning application after a contentious Planning Board meeting met with strong public opposition. The Planning Board declined to vote on staff recommendations for data center zoning, prompting the developers to withdraw their request for now, though their attorney stated they would return. Residents and a political candidate expressed concerns about the project's impact and advocated for a data center moratorium.
Developers for Project Neptune, a proposed 174-acre data center in Fort Pierce, Florida, withdrew their rezoning application on September 17. This action followed a contentious Fort Pierce Planning Board meeting where the board declined to vote on staff recommendations to establish specific zoning categories for data centers within the city.
The meeting was marked by dozens of protestors who gathered outside and inside City Hall to voice their opposition to the project and future data center developments. Residents, including Christopher Hanson and Sarah Quinette, cited concerns about the lack of community benefits, new jobs, or lower power bills from data centers, stating they felt compelled to act after learning the developers had shifted from a previously approved housing and surf park plan.
James Martin, the Democratic nominee for U.S. House District 21, also attended to oppose Project Neptune and proposed a multi-year moratorium on data center development across the Treasure Coast counties. Lee Dobins, attorney for Willow Lakes LLC, the developer, indicated that they would revisit the application once the Fort Pierce City Commission makes a definitive policy decision on data center zoning, noting that the current withdrawal was merely the first step in the process.