Planning department issues data center permit
The Sanford-Lee County Planning Department has issued a construction permit for a 300,000 square foot, 90-megawatt data center on Lower Moncure Road. The project, valued at approximately $900 million with equipment, is a partnership between PointOne and CyrusOne, with construction by Hitt Contracting. This development proceeds despite prior community opposition and demands for a data center moratorium.
The Sanford-Lee County Planning Department has approved and issued a construction permit for a significant data center project located at 4015 Lower Moncure Road. The permit, dated September 25, allows for the development of a more than 300,000 square foot facility, with an estimated structure value of over $185 million.
Virginia-based PointOne initially announced the 90-megawatt data center project on June 8, collaborating with developer Helix Ventures. Upon completion, the 56-acre site will be owned and operated by Dallas-based CyrusOne. Kelsey Fehr, vice president of strategic operations and stakeholder relations for PointOne, emphasized that the total capital investment, including equipment from CyrusOne and IT equipment from customers, is projected to be around $900 million. Hitt Contracting of Falls Church, Virginia, is listed as the project's contractor.
This permit issuance follows months of community speculation and opposition in Lee County regarding data center developments. Citizens previously expressed concerns, particularly about a separate proposed project by Deep River Data involving natural gas for an AI data operation and potential fracking. While that specific project was never officially submitted, local leaders subsequently adopted new rules governing data centers in Sanford and Lee County, which included a ban on fracking-associated facilities. Despite ongoing protests and demands for a data center moratorium and stricter noise regulations at Lee County Board of Commissioners meetings over the summer, the board has declined to take action, indicating the project's fate would be determined by administrative review.
Both PointOne and CyrusOne representatives, including Katy Hancock, CyrusOne's vice president of community affairs, have reiterated their commitment to developing a responsible project that adheres to county requirements, generates significant tax revenue for Lee County, and incorporates safeguards for sound, water use, and power infrastructure.