City of Westover approves data center moratorium
The City of Westover unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data center development following resident concerns. This decision came after previous discussions about a potential data center and rezoning plans. Mayor Bobby Purdue plans further research and a town hall meeting on the topic.
The Westover City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data center development on Tuesday. This decision came after residents raised concerns following an earlier meeting about the possibility of bringing a data center to Westover.
Before the vote, the council heard from community members who expressed their displeasure about a potential data center being located near their homes. The discussion originated from rumors after the council initially paused a proposed moratorium earlier this month, coinciding with the city's Planning Commission meeting to discuss rezoning plans for industrial development.
Westover resident Nathan Richie commented on the vote, stating his faith in Mayor Bobby Purdue and the council to do what is best for the community, especially in correcting what he perceived as secrecy around the initial discussions.
Despite the moratorium, Mayor Bobby Purdue announced a town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday at 6 PM at the New Life Church in Sterrett. The Mayor stated that the city intends to conduct more research on data centers and their potential impacts.