The debate over a proposed Kirk display in Citrus County has reignited after Deltona Investments dropped its application for a data center in the area. The proposed data center, which would have been located near the intersection of State Road 44 and Southwest 10th Avenue in Crystal River, was met with significant opposition from local residents.
The project was dealt a major setback when Deltona Investments withdrew its application on January 15, 2023. The company had been seeking to build a large data center on the site, but faced fierce resistance from residents who argued that the project would have negatively impacted the area’s natural environment and rural character. “We are disappointed that Deltona Investments has decided to withdraw its application,” said Citrus County Commissioner, Scott Boyett. “However, we understand that this decision will allow the company to reassess its plans and potentially come back with a revised proposal in the future.”
The proposed data center was expected to span over 200 acres and cost around $300 million to construct. The project had been in the works for several years, with Deltona Investments submitting its application in early 2022. However, the project was met with significant opposition from local residents, who argued that it would have had a negative impact on the area’s natural environment and rural character.
The withdrawal of the application has been seen as a major victory for local residents who had been fighting against the project. “We are thrilled that Deltona Investments has decided to withdraw its application,” said Meg Loudon, a spokesperson for the Save Our Kirk group. “This is a huge win for our community, and we look forward to continuing to work with county officials to ensure that our area is protected from large-scale industrial projects like this one.”
The debate over the proposed Kirk display and data center has highlighted the tension between economic development and environmental protection in Citrus County. While some residents have argued that the project would have brought much-needed jobs and revenue to the area, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the local environment and quality of life.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
