Highlands Town Board weighs data centers, hears dredging update
The Highlands Town Board is initiating discussions on data center development, driven by concerns about infrastructure strain and influenced by a nearby town's moratorium. The board unanimously approved drafting a 12-month moratorium on data centers, to be reviewed at a future meeting. They also plan to draft a resolution supporting a county-wide moratorium.
The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners has begun discussions regarding data center development, with Mayor Patrick Taylor citing concerns about potential strain on the town's power and water infrastructure. This comes as the nearby Town of Franklin recently enacted a moratorium on new data centers and Macon County is reviewing its High Impact Ordinance concerning such facilities.
Town Attorney Nick Tosco advised the board on navigating NC General Statute Chapter 160D, which deals with downzoning legislation, suggesting that heavily regulating new data center uses could prevent it from being classified as downzoning. Commissioner Amy Patterson noted the town's existing natural zoning ordinances offer an advantage but urged Macon County to strengthen its High Impact Ordinance beyond post-construction regulation.
In a unanimous decision, the board approved a motion for Town Attorney Nick Tosco to draft a 12-month moratorium on data centers, which is slated for review at their August 20 meeting. Additionally, the board proposed holding a special meeting to draft a resolution in favor of a moratorium to submit to Macon County.