No projects yet: Wendell adopts temporary data center moratorium throu...

The Wendell Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new data center and cryptocurrency mining developments, effective until the end of the year or until updated regulations are established. The decision, made on April 13 following a public hearing, aims to provide town staff with time to revise Wendell’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which currently lacks specific definitions or rules for such uses. Planning Director Bryan Coates highlighted that the absence of clear regulations could lead to legal and procedural challenges if a data center application were submitted. Residents strongly supported the pause during the public hearing, expressing concerns about potential strains on electricity and water infrastructure, noise pollution, and the prudent use of limited land. Robert Klein, a resident, urged commissioners to protect the town from irreversible decisions, while longtime resident Ray Hinnant emphasized the potential for significant water usage and constant noise without clear benefits. Commissioners, including Braxton Honeycutt, echoed the sentiment that the town needs a clearer understanding of what data center proposals would entail locally. They stressed that the moratorium is a proactive measure, as no data center projects have yet been proposed in Wendell, allowing the town to develop appropriate safeguards for its residents and resources.