Commissioners approve 180-day extension for data center, convenience store moratoriums

Newton County Commissioners unanimously approved a 180-day extension for moratoriums on new data center and convenience store requests, pushing the halt on new applications until October 7. The board initially enacted 30-day moratoriums on February 17, which were later extended to April 8, and now again for six months. These extensions do not impact existing requests already in the pipeline. The moratoriums are in place to allow the county to adopt a modified Unified Development Ordinance. During a work session prior to the regular meeting, the board discussed several proposed changes to the ordinance, primarily focusing on convenience stores. County Attorney Stephanie Johnson presented changes including new separation requirements for convenience stores, mandating them to be at least two miles apart, with exceptions for diagonal locations. Another proposed change requires timely development, giving property owners one year from rezoning approval to submit site plans and complete construction steps, addressing concerns about undeveloped permits. Commissioners also brought up specific concerns. District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long questioned the definition of "substantial construction" for approved projects. District 2 Commissioner Demond Mason advocated for stronger landscaping requirements, referencing existing Salem Overlay regulations. District 1 Commissioner Stan Edwards suggested restricting on-site food consumption and gaming machines in new convenience stores, citing them as "trouble." Johnson confirmed she would address the board's concerns. The extensions passed 5-0 after minimal public input.