Documents shed light on company’s plans for data center in Mocksville

National Land Developers (NLD) is exploring plans for a data center in Mocksville, North Carolina, despite no formal proposal having been submitted yet. Documents from the Mocksville Board of Commissioners' agenda packet reveal NLD's contact with the town regarding a development agreement for a parcel of land at U.S. 64 East and Bethel Church Road, which spans both inside and outside city limits. Town Manager Lee Rollins initiated the process in May, with a draft agreement submitted in July, outlining terms for water, electric, and sewer use, sound mitigation, setbacks, and emissions. NLD believes the project aligns with the town's general industrial zoning.

NLD's plans include a closed-loop cooling system that would not draw from municipal water, instead relying on trucked-in deliveries. The company estimates daily water usage similar to four to seven single-family homes and is working with Duke Energy to secure up to 150 megawatts of power.

The Board of Commissioners did not discuss the project at their recent meeting, but local residents voiced strong opposition during the public comment period. Sarah Weschler expressed concerns about NLD's reputation and potential health impacts, arguing that projected tax benefits would not offset resident well-being. Lisa Livingstone echoed environmental concerns and highlighted the approval of a data center moratorium in Davie County last month, urging Mocksville leaders to consider a similar one-year moratorium within city limits given the widespread local opposition.