Controversial New Hill Data Center Project Withdrawn, Ending Months of Debate in Apex (NC)
With no active data center applications remaining, Apex will now examine potential regulations and a temporary moratorium on future proposals.
Apex, NC, Mar. 5, 2026 — A controversial proposal to build a large data center in the New Hill area of Apex has been withdrawn by the developer, abruptly ending months of community debate and local government scrutiny.
The news was first shared publicly by Apex Mayor Pro Tem Terry Mahaffey, who said the withdrawal closes the chapter on the specific proposal but not on the broader policy questions surrounding data centers in Apex.
“The Town of Apex was just notified by Natelli Investments that they’re withdrawing their application for a data center in the New Hill area,” Mahaffey said in a video statement. “The project will not be moving forward and it’s over.”
Months of Debate Over Data Centers
The proposal had become one of the most closely watched development issues in southern Wake County.
Residents in the New Hill area, along with nearby communities in Apex and Holly Springs, raised concerns about the potential impacts of large-scale data center development, including:
Energy demand and infrastructure needs
Water usage for cooling systems
Noise from large industrial cooling equipment
Effects on nearby residential communities
Long-term land-use implications
Dozens of residents and subject-matter experts attended Apex Town Council meetings in recent months to share research and concerns.
Mahaffey acknowledged the role the community played in shaping the discussion.
“I want to start by saying thank you to all the residents, all the experts, all the advocates who’ve been coming to our council meetings these past few months and have worked so hard and done the research to help educate the council,” he said.
Town Conducted Independent Research
Shortly after the application was filed, Apex officials directed town staff to begin independent research into the potential impacts of large data center developments.
That work culminated in a January 22nd work session, during which staff presented findings on how similar facilities affect local infrastructure, utilities, and surrounding communities.
Town leaders say the research helped the council better understand both the benefits and risks associated with this type of development.
Proposed Moratorium on Future Data Centers
While the specific project is now off the table, Apex leaders say the broader policy discussion is far from finished.
Mahaffey announced he will introduce a motion at the March 10th Apex Town Council meeting to enact a one-year moratorium on new data center applications, permits, or construction within the town.
The proposed moratorium would “give us the time we need to finish the work that we started to update the UDO to put firm rules in place to ensure that any future applicants will not harm the health, the well-being, or the quality of life of any existing Apex resident,” Mahaffey said.
What This Means for New Hill
The withdrawal means the New Hill project will not proceed, removing a major source of uncertainty for nearby residents.
However, the broader issue of data center development in southern Wake County is likely to remain a topic of discussion as communities across the region grapple with rapid growth in digital infrastructure.
Large technology companies continue to seek sites near power infrastructure and fiber networks, both of which are present in parts of western Apex and the New Hill area.
For now, though, the developer’s decision closes a contentious local debate.
What’s Next
March 10th: Apex Town Council expected to consider a one-year moratorium on data center projects
Town staff will continue researching regulatory options for future proposals
Possible updates to the Apex Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Previous Coverage
Meeting Recap: Apex (NC) Town Council Takes a Deep Dive on Data Centers, Proceeds Cautiously — January 24, 2026
Residents, Developer Hold Noise Discussion That Escalates Into Wide-Ranging Debate on Proposed Data Center in Apex (NC) — November 13, 2025
Apex (NC) Residents Speak Out at Council Meeting to Oppose Proposed Data Center; Officials Outline Long Review Timeline — November 3, 2025
Protect Wake County (NC) Coalition Meeting Rallies Over 100 Residents to Oppose Proposed Apex Data Center — October 28, 2025
Proposed Data Center Near Shearon Harris Plant in Apex Spurs Debate Over Annexation, Rezoning, and Neighborhood Impacts — August 27, 2025