Greensboro City Council members concerned about data center influx in NC

During a recent Greensboro City Council meeting, several members voiced strong concerns regarding the increasing number of data center proposals throughout North Carolina. The discussion was initiated by a public speaker who urged the city to enact a moratorium on data center construction, citing similar measures adopted by other municipalities like Boone in March. Council Member Crystal Black specifically highlighted Southeast Greensboro's vulnerability, stating, "We hold the highways. We hold pollution, we hold landfills. We cannot hold every harm that comes to this city, and we’re gonna stop it with data centers.” While the council did not proceed with a vote on a moratorium at this meeting, many members expressed apprehension about the potential negative consequences data centers could impose on the community. Councilmember Tammi Thurm requested that the city manager provide advance notice of any upcoming data center proposals before they are formally placed on an agenda. This proactive approach aims to allow council members sufficient time to research and develop policies that align with community interests and mitigate potential adverse effects.