Apex sets public hearing on proposed data center moratorium

Apex, North Carolina, has scheduled a public hearing for April 14 at 6 p.m. at Apex Town Hall to discuss a proposed moratorium on data center development. The town's leaders, including Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert, are considering a temporary ban to allow for more time to deliberate on zoning ordinance changes and involve residents in the decision-making process regarding large-scale data center sites. Mayor Gilbert emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, stating that a year-long timeframe for discussions is relatively short given the complexity. This move comes after an unnamed developer recently withdrew plans for a data center project in Apex following significant community pushback. The abandoned project would have featured six 70-foot buildings and approximately 80 3-megawatt generators on 189 acres near Shearon Harris Road. The proposed facility planned to use treated wastewater for cooling and draw power from Duke Energy’s grid. Residents can attend the upcoming town council meeting in person or via the Town's YouTube livestream.