Statesville City Council approves 180-day moratorium on data centers
The Statesville City Council approved a first reading for a 180-day moratorium on future data center applications following significant public opposition. Citizens expressed concerns about data centers in general and requested the moratorium include an already approved Compass Datacenters project, which was not addressed. The moratorium aims to allow city staff to develop policies and procedures for future data center applications.
The Statesville City Council voted to approve a first reading of an ordinance for a 180-day moratorium on data center applications during a packed meeting. Over a dozen residents voiced strong opposition to data centers, with many requesting the moratorium be extended beyond 150 days and include the already approved Compass Data Center project planned for Stamey Farm Road, which had been approved last year.
Council member James Pressly made the motion to approve the moratorium, adding a condition to extend it to 180 days from the initially proposed 150 days. The vote was unanimous. Planning Director Erika Martin indicated that while no new data centers are currently planned, the city has received inquiries, and the current Unified Development Code (UDC) does not adequately address data centers. The moratorium is intended to provide city staff time to develop comprehensive policies and procedures for future applications.
Citizens like Christian Smith expressed skepticism, calling the moratorium a "Trojan horse" and fearing it implies data centers will eventually be approved regardless of public sentiment. Jeff Tucker urged the council to reconsider and include the Compass project within the moratorium's scope, while Lena Grady simply stated, "I hope you don't approve any data centers." A second reading of the ordinance is required, typically on the consent agenda, though one speaker requested it be moved to the regular agenda for further discussion.