Fort Pierce residents divided over proposed data center rezoning
Fort Pierce residents are divided over a proposed data center rezoning project that would affect 200 acres near Midway Road. The developer has paused their rezoning request, and the Planning Board has asked the city to conduct further research before bringing the item back for discussion.
Residents in Fort Pierce, Florida, are expressing mixed reactions to a proposed data center development that would involve rezoning approximately 200 acres near Midway Road. The developer's proposal includes a data center alongside potential retail, restaurants, and a hotel, but the developer has now paused their request to rezone the land.
The Fort Pierce Planning Board spent an hour discussing the proposal during an afternoon meeting. Following the discussion, the attorney representing the applicant decided to table the rezoning application. The Planning Board subsequently made two motions: first, requesting the Planning Department conduct more research on the data center agenda item, and second, asking the city to place this item for discussion at the next City Commission meeting. Board members did not make a decision on whether a data center is a permitted use within light industrial zoning, awaiting further clarity on code changes.
Emotions were high in the commission chambers as many residents voiced their opposition to the data center in Western Saint Lucie County. Concerns included the impact on agricultural land, pollinating insects, and the destruction of trees and animal habitats. Conversely, some residents expressed support, believing the project would bring jobs and more business to the area.