Stokes commission rejects six-month data center moratorium
Stokes County Commissioners rejected a six-month moratorium on data center development, going against the county planning board's recommendation and public opposition. Residents are actively pushing back against "Project Delta" in Walnut Cove, a hyperscale data center project whose initial zoning approval was voided, though the developer intends to reapply.
Stokes County Commissioners have rejected a planning board's recommendation for a six-month moratorium on data center development, despite overwhelming public opposition. The decision was made at a meeting filled with residents urging a pause on projects like "Project Delta," a proposed hyperscale data center in Walnut Cove. Residents, including Anne Harvey David, voiced concerns about the profound impact of such immense new technology on the county's land and communities.
Commissioner Sonya Cox stated that a formal pause was unnecessary, assuring the board would not be rushed in future decisions. This rejection follows a previous incident where commissioners had approved a zoning change for "Project Delta" in January, going against the planning board's advice. That zoning approval was later voided due to a legal challenge, though the developer is now taking steps to reapply for the project. The ongoing debate highlights significant community pushback against data center expansion in Stokes County.