Stokes Planning Board denies data center zoning, but with conditions
The Stokes County Planning Board voted to deny a conditional use zoning application for Project Delta, a proposed AI computation center in Walnut Cove, North Carolina. This advisory vote came despite new county zoning ordinances designed to accommodate data centers, with ongoing strong opposition from residents citing concerns about water and electricity usage, as well as disruptive behavior and threats. An upcoming public hearing before the county commissioners is scheduled for September 8, where a final decision is expected.
The Stokes County Planning Board recently held a special meeting to discuss Project Delta, a proposed AI Computation Center in Walnut Cove, North Carolina. During the meeting, the board listened to discussions regarding a conditional use zoning application from Engineering Land Solutions (ELS) for the project.
The board ultimately voted 5 to 2 to deny the conditional zoning application. However, this was an advisory vote to the county commissioners, and the board indicated that if the commissioners proceed with the project, they would like the developers' recommendations, addressing public concerns, to be incorporated into the conditions. Project Delta CEO Drew Nations reiterated that the facility would not directly withdraw water from local waterways.
Opposition to the data center has been highly active and disruptive, escalating over recent months with online organization, doxxing, workplace harassment, and even death threats reported by both commissioners and Nations. Data center support signs have also been vandalized. Residents like Sri Sarvasri, an environmental engineer, expressed significant concerns about the facility's massive electricity usage, describing it as an "AI Computation Center for training large AI LLMs" rather than a traditional data center, requiring substantial continuous power. The county commissioners had previously approved new zoning ordinances aimed at modernizing regulations to include data centers.
The next public hearing before the county commissioners is set for Tuesday, September 8, featuring presentations from county staff and the petitioner, followed by public comment. No action will be taken at this specific meeting.