Bradley County moves to draft data center zoning rules, dispelling AI site rumors

Bradley County, Tennessee, is taking steps to establish zoning rules for data centers and cryptocurrency mining, according to Mayor Gary Davis. This move aims to regulate future facilities rather than address a specific, immediate project. The initiative follows a flurry of online rumors and social media discussions suggesting an AI data center was planned for a property near Walker Valley High School in the Charleston community. Mayor Davis, in a social media post, clarified that there are currently no plans for such a project. While the land in question is owned by SDCL Tennessee prop LLC, which was sold for $22 million last year, the Bradley County Commission's upcoming meeting agenda indicates a focus on general guidelines for data centers, not a particular development. Community concerns, fueled by circulating flyers, prompted residents like Larry Nadeau to express worry over the rumored site near his home. The county's planning director, Bently Thomas, confirmed the land sale but emphasized the commission's proactive approach to regulation.