Spartanburg County Council Advances Three Data Center Agreements
The Spartanburg County Council advanced three data center development agreements totaling about $5.45 billion in anticipated investment, though each still requires a final vote. The projects include a proposed 457-megawatt facility by Valara Holdings, a replacement facility for AIB CLT1, and a 65-megawatt facility at 300 Jones Road; residents and some council members raised concerns about transparency and public-benefit payments.
The Spartanburg County Council approved three data center development agreements on second reading during a special Election Day meeting. The agreements represent approximately $5.45 billion in anticipated investment: Northmark Strategies would support Valara Holdings LLC's proposed 457-megawatt facility on about 294 acres; AIB CLT1 LLC would replace an existing container-style data center with a standalone IT building; and 300 Jones Road Associates LLC would develop a 65-megawatt facility.
All three agreements require the projects to comply with light, glare, noise and landscaping provisions in the county's data center moratorium and performance zoning ordinance. Resident Mark Gillespie criticized the timing of the public hearing, while Councilman Monier Abusaft opposed the Valara agreement and Councilwoman Jessica Coker opposed the other two, citing concerns about the agreements' community-benefit payment provisions. A final council vote was scheduled for Nov. 16.