Stokes County sued over approval of Walnut Cove data center project

A lawsuit has been filed against Stokes County following the county commissioners' approval of a data center project on 1,000 acres of land near Walnut Cove, North Carolina. The lawsuit, brought by the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and several other non-profits and over a dozen residents, alleges that the rezoning process in January was not conducted legally and was not "by the book." Opponents had visibly demonstrated their disapproval, with "No Data" signs throughout the county and hundreds attending a rezoning meeting in January to speak against the project. Despite no one speaking in favor, county commissioners voted to approve a text amendment adding data centers as a permitted use for heavy manufacturing districts, paving the way for the project. The lawsuit claims that residents were not properly notified about the proposed amendments, making it difficult to participate, especially given the short timeframe around the holidays. Plaintiffs also cite concerns about potential water and air pollution, as well as graves tied to the Hearst and Klan on the rezone land. The proposal originated from Triad land developer David Couches' company, DFC Stokes, with Engineered Land Solutions acting as the data center proponent. Engineered Land Solutions expressed surprise at the lawsuit, emphasizing the project's potential for job creation and millions in tax revenue, though lawyers for the plaintiffs state there is no proof of these tax figures. Stokes County has acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit, stating a commitment to transparency but declining to comment on specific allegations at this time. The county is now tasked with responding to the lawsuit, which could potentially lead to the entire rezoning issue being brought before the commissioners again.