East Charlotte neighbors push back on proposed data center ahead of city council meeting

Residents in east Charlotte, supported by the political advocacy group Action NC, are mobilizing against a proposed data center project slated for discussion at an upcoming Charlotte City Council meeting. Neighbors, like Rob Hudson, express concerns about the project's proximity to residential areas and its potential impact on the community, advocating for data centers to be located in less populated areas. Action NC, represented by political director Robert Dawkins, highlights that Charlotte currently hosts approximately 40 data centers without adequate local regulations governing their water and energy consumption. The group is urging the city council to implement stronger regulations and consider a temporary moratorium on new data center developments. Dawkins clarified that the group is not inherently against data centers but seeks a pause to address environmental impacts and rising energy costs before further expansion. Councilmember Malcolm Graham noted that this discussion marks the formal introduction of data centers to the council's agenda, potentially leading to a public hearing and broader talks about a possible moratorium. Action NC plans to attend the meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center to voice its concerns during public comment.