Amid the possibility of a new data center, Clyde residents urge town leaders to act now

The town of Clyde, North Carolina, is preparing for a public hearing on a potential data center moratorium, with residents like Tanner Hess and Amanda Willard advocating for preemptive action to preserve the community's character. Residents express worries about the impact of large industrial projects, especially concerning potential strain on power systems and rising electricity costs, at a time when many are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. While no developer has approached Clyde, the discussion follows a similar situation in neighboring Canton, which approved a one-year moratorium on data centers and crypto mining facilities in February. Clyde residents hope their town leaders will listen to public input at the upcoming April 16 hearing and take steps to protect their Haywood County community. They emphasize the importance of community involvement, noting the strong turnout in Canton as a sign of unified concern across political lines.