Developer Proposed Data Center at Belfast Commerce Park
The $150 million project faces regulatory hurdles as the current zoning ordinance does not permit data center operations.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Should local communities allow data center construction in designated commerce parks?
LN Compute Inc. CEO Eric Yao inquired about developing a 30-megawatt data center on a 19-acre site at 901 Belfast Commerce Center Dr. in Richmond Hill. The proposal, which represents a $150 million investment, is currently restricted by the city's Unified Development Ordinance.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights the growing friction between expanding data center infrastructure and existing municipal zoning frameworks designed over a decade ago. Richmond Hill currently lacks specific ordinances for such high-energy industrial facilities, forcing developers to navigate complex appeals processes.
The proposed site covers 19 acres and is intended to host a 30-megawatt facility. The design specifies a closed-loop liquid cooling system utilizing dry coolers to manage thermal loads, with no cryptocurrency mining planned for the location.
The players
LN Compute Inc.
A technology entity currently seeking to expand its infrastructure footprint into Richmond Hill.
Eric Yao
The CEO of LN Compute Inc. who is overseeing the site acquisition and development strategy.
Development Authority of Bryan County
The local administrative body that holds ownership of the industrial land at 901 Belfast Commerce Center Dr.
The details
The facility is designed for high-density computing using liquid cooling—a method that circulates a heat-conducting fluid to maintain chip temperatures more efficiently than traditional air-cooling. Dry coolers function as heat exchangers that release the extracted thermal energy into the atmosphere without consuming water. However, the project remains at a conceptual stage, as the Planning Director confirmed that data centers are not an allowed use under the 2013 Belfast Commerce Planned Unit Development.
Timeline
The Belfast Commerce Centre Planned Unit Development was established in 2013.
The developer submitted the zoning inquiry on October 1, 2026.
The Tech Race
The project highlights how older zoning frameworks struggle to keep pace with the power demands of modern data center development. It follows a trend where established industrial parks must reconcile current infrastructure needs with land-use policies written over a decade ago.
If approved, the project is expected to create 20 permanent local jobs. Residents should track the upcoming Board of Zoning Appeals hearings to understand potential impacts on local utility demand and infrastructure development.
The takeaway
The project serves as a test case for whether the city will amend its restrictive 2013 zoning to accommodate large-scale technology infrastructure. Watch for the next filing before the Board of Zoning Appeals, which will determine if the developer can proceed with the proposed land acquisition.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure planning, explore our archives on Data Centers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bryancountynews.
Live Poll
Should local communities allow data center construction in designated commerce parks?
