Builders of Palm Coast Data Center Claim Far Larger Scope Than Approved Plans - WNDB
The Palm Coast government is challenging DC Blox's claim that its upcoming data center will be significantly larger than the approved 33,760-square-foot facility. While an executive claimed a 100,000-square-foot project, the city states only the smaller building is approved and any expansion would require new permits and public review. This comes as public sentiment against data centers is growing, and both the city and Flagler County have considered moratoriums.
The Palm Coast government is disputing a claim made by DC Blox that its new data center in Palm Coast will span approximately 100,000 square feet, significantly exceeding the officially approved plans. DC Blox Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, William Thomson, made the assertion during a local radio show, stating the company plans two buildings totaling around 100,000 square feet.
However, Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin confirmed that the city has only approved a single 33,760-square-foot facility. City Council member Ty Miller emphasized that any plans for a larger scope would necessitate a new application and additional review processes, including potential public scrutiny. DC Blox initially proposed a 50,460-square-foot facility in 2024 but scaled it down to 33,760 square feet to avoid public review by the Planning & Land Development Regulation Board, a process required for projects exceeding 40,000 square feet.
This discrepancy arises amid growing public opposition to data center construction, with a recent Gallup poll indicating strong sentiment against such facilities. Both the Flagler County Commission and Palm Coast City Council have recently discussed implementing moratoriums on data center development, driven by resident concerns over environmental impacts and rising utility costs, though an enacted moratorium would not affect DC Blox's already-approved project.