Apex approves yearlong pause on data-center projects: 'Not interested'
APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Apex Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a 12-month moratorium on data centers, data processing facilities, and cryptocurrency mining operations, following months of public debate and opposition to a proposed project in the community.
Residents spoke during Tuesday night's Town Council meeting, many urging town leaders to block future data center development because of concerns about water and energy use.
The discussion stemmed from a proposal for a data center near Old U.S. 1 and Sharon Harris Road, a project that the developer withdrew last month after sustained pushback.
"I will be direct. No data centers in Wake County ever," one woman said during public comment.
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Another resident added, "Protect the people, protect the character of Apex. It's not going to be Apex any longer if you don't protect that."
The moratorium, which takes effect April 28 and continues through April 2027, will give town officials time to study the effects of data centers. That includes reviewing potential uses, zoning standards, mitigation strategies, and how other communities in North Carolina and across the country have addressed similar issues.
Mayor Jacques Gilbert said he does not see a path forward for data centers in Apex.
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"I'm just going to say, I'm not interested in a data center in Apex," Gilbert said. "We have to look at the totality of circumstances, the impact that it may cause. And, you know, while there are the benefits that has been put on the table as far as revenue, there are other directions we can go into to make that up."
The council's decision marks a significant pause as Apex evaluates how large-scale data operations fit into the town's long-term planning.
