The developer proposing to have the town of Apex allow building a massive AI hyperscale data center withdrew their application! Against all odds, big tech money, and encouragement from public officials, how did this happen? Public opposition is cited in many of the news reports. In this blog, I will share some of the varying news accounts and my plans to document this success.
First, I want to share my plans going forward. I learned last week at an activist’s networking meeting, on the same day of the developer’s withdrawal announcement, that there are currently 19 proposed data centers to be built in North Carolina. These are affecting local communities as well as everyone for higher utility costs, increasing sources of pollution, and accelerating the brave new world of AI. Therefore, I plan to share my story of sweat equity in a book for how we fought and won this first battle. It took many people involved to create public opposition and processing the application by officials so I will offer my journey and steps of advice or lessons learned to share with our community and other communities around the country.
Please send me an email (billydam@gmail.com) if you have any advice, contacts, or suggestions on preparing a book for publication or want to pre-order/offer donations as it will not be listed on Amazon if I can help it!
Secondly, the fight will continue for how to preserve the farmland and be ready for more developer’s applications. Lots of diverse voices are needed to speak out as the town prepares for a one-year moratorium and possible changes to the unified development ordinance (UDO). Is one year enough time or do people want to push for 5 - 10 years or perhaps a total ban? Does the UDO need to change at all?
Third, I’ll focus on how we won the first fight and let others continue to advocate for next steps. Tonight, there will be a public town hall council meeting at 6 pm in Apex. I’ve not disclosed my health issues so I’m not sure if I have the energy to attend but I will be there is spirit and rooting for the red shirts!
Here are some of the news reports:
WRAL Residents near proposed Apex data center relieved project is scrapped, says more work needed
Natelli Investments has withdrawn its applications to build a data center near the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant, citing the town of Apex’s ongoing deliberations over necessary zoning changes.
The Herald Sun Data center developer withdraws Apex project after community opposition
WUNC Proposed data center in Wake County is withdrawing its application
Peace and Love,
Bill