"They had an aggressive timetable that our process may not have worked for them, but Apex is still going to move forward and look into this issue and develop some rules around data centers," Apex Mayor Pro Tem Terry Mahaffey said.
Natalli Investments withdrew its application to build on farmland in the New Hill community but says it might revisit the project if the town allows data centers in its zoning ordinance, according to a statement.
"Natelli Investments announced today that it is withdrawing its annexation and rezoning applications for property adjacent to the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant and designated for future industrial development within the Town's growth plan, while the Town continues its deliberations over zoning ordinance changes necessary to permit data center development within the Town's limits. The company indicated it will determine an appropriate course of action if, in the future, the Town of Apex ultimately approves a comprehensive zoning text amendment allowing data centers as an approved use within the Town's limits," General Manager Michael Natelli told ABC11.
With the project now off the table, leaders are considering a one-year moratorium that would mean a temporary pause on new data centers while rules and community concerns are reviewed.
"Relief is the first thing that comes to mind," Michelle Hoffner O'Connor said. "I think we need regulations. I think there are a lot of conversations this has created."
I-Team digs into potential effects of data centers in the Triangle, nationwide: 'A huge concern'
The Triangle remains attractive to data center developers, including Microsoft, which plans a mega site in Person County.
Though Apex isn't on their immediate radar, town leaders are being proactive before a meeting on March 10.
"All that sort of stuff takes time to put together, and the moratorium will give us a chance to make sure those rules are in place going forward," Mahaffey said.
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