New questions about data centers in Raleigh after project pulled by developer
Raleigh leaders are facing questions about why the city has not adopted a data center moratorium, unlike other North Carolina cities. This comes after a proposed data center in southeast Raleigh was withdrawn by its developer following public outrage. The discussion highlights existing city processes for data center approvals, including industrial zoning and special use permits.
Raleigh leaders are being questioned by WRAL News regarding their lack of a data center moratorium, a measure adopted or considered by other North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, and Greensboro. This query follows the withdrawal of a proposed data center project in southeast Raleigh by its developer, which had generated significant public outrage.
WRAL attempted to solicit responses from Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin and city councilors about the city's stance on a data center moratorium and their support or opposition to new data center construction within city limits, but did not receive a response. Council Pro Tem James Harrison stated her desire for Raleigh residents to better understand the current approval process for data centers. Hyperscale projects, which are large data centers requiring substantial power, water, and land, need industrial zoning and a special use permit from the City's Board of Adjustment to proceed.
The public outcry over the recently pulled project prompted city councilors to suggest creating an FAQ page on the city's website to better explain the approval process to the community and ensure awareness of upcoming meetings related to such developments.