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A group of Spartanburg County residents has sued the developer of a $2.8 billion data center and the county government, alleging they were shut out of the approval process. The plaintiffs say the developer used smaller permits to avoid public review of a project that includes a data center and natural gas generation.
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Here are key takeaways:
- Concerned Citizens of Spartanburg County filed the lawsuit Monday against Valara Holdings, Spartanburg County and the county administrator, seeking to require a major land development permit instead of two minor permits.
- Frank Holleman, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said residents were not given full information and did not know what was happening until later in the process. A major permit would have required public panel approval.
- NorthMark’s Sarah Knox said the company has been transparent with county and state officials since the earliest stages and has shared detailed project information, plans and designs throughout the development process. A spokesperson for Spartanburg County declined to comment.
- The developer plans to power the site with natural gas generators and turbines producing about 450 megawatts. Residents also want the Public Service Commission to require state regulatory approval before construction continues.
- The project at 4000 Pine Street will be under construction through 2028. NorthMark says it will create 150 permanent jobs, though Gov. Henry McMaster’s April 2025 announcement cited at least 27 new jobs.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.
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