LN Compute Proposed Data Center in Richmond Hill

The developer aims to build a $150 million facility despite current zoning restrictions in the city.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Data Centers

LN Compute Proposed Data Center in Richmond Hill

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Should local communities allow data center construction in designated commerce parks?

LN Compute Inc. has inquired about developing a 19-acre data center at 901 Belfast Commerce Center Dr. that would involve a $150 million capital investment. The project, which would require 30 megawatts of power, currently faces hurdles under the city's existing development ordinances.

Why it matters

The proposal highlights a regulatory gap in Richmond Hill, as the city currently lacks a specific ordinance for data centers. The project is explicitly prohibited under the 2013 Belfast Commerce PUD, requiring the developer to navigate an appeal process to proceed.

The proposed site spans 19 acres and is designed to operate with a 30-megawatt power capacity. The facility would utilize closed-loop liquid cooling with dry coolers instead of traditional methods, specifically excluding cryptocurrency mining operations.

The players

Eric Yao

He is the CEO of LN Compute Inc. and is leading the firm's efforts to establish a new data center facility.

Development Authority of Bryan County

This entity maintains ownership of the industrial land located at the Belfast Commerce Park.

Board of Zoning Appeals

This local regulatory body will hear the developer's appeal to determine if the data center project can move forward.

The details

CEO Eric Yao of LN Compute Inc. initiated the inquiry regarding the site at 901 Belfast Commerce Center Dr. to determine project feasibility. The development would provide 20 permanent job positions, but it must first clear land owner authorization and a rigorous zoning appeal process.

The Belfast Commerce Centre Planned Unit Development was established in 2013.
The developer inquired about zoning and site acquisition on October 1, 2026.

The Tech Race

As demand for localized data storage grows, cities are increasingly forced to re-evaluate industrial zoning laws established over a decade ago. This clash marks a common friction point where legacy industrial park regulations meet the intense power and space requirements of modern data centers.

While the project remains in the inquiry stage, any future approval could impact local power grid demands and utility planning for the city. Residents may see changes in industrial land usage as the city evaluates whether to amend its ordinances to accommodate modern technology infrastructure.

The takeaway

Zoning regulations often struggle to keep pace with the specific requirements of high-density technology projects. Developers looking to enter new markets must be prepared for lengthy appeals when their proposals fall outside of existing municipal master plans.