Salisbury Planning recommends Henderson Grove Church data center approval
The Salisbury Planning Board has unanimously recommended approval for a proposed data center near Henderson Grove Church, submitted by Trammell Crow Company and Flexential. The project involves a 296,000 square-foot facility on 95 acres and estimates 55 megawatts of peak electricity usage. Despite resident concerns regarding environmental impact, the application will now proceed to the City Council for a final decision.
The Salisbury Planning Board has advanced a proposed data center project near Henderson Grove Church, recommending its approval to the City Council. The application for a conditional district overlay, submitted by Trammell Crow Company and Flexential, provides specific details about the 296,000 square-foot facility planned for over 95 acres.
The developers previously navigated a text amendment process, which the City Council passed on June 2, adding restrictions on noise levels, setbacks, and mandating closed-loop cooling systems for data storage facilities on industrial properties. The current application includes estimates of 55 megawatts for peak electricity usage, approved by Duke Energy, and a water demand of 1,000-1,250 gallons per day solely for domestic use, as confirmed by Salisbury-Rowan Utilities.
While Ben Schon from Trammell Crow Company emphasized the collaborative process with city staff, local resident Dina Parker expressed significant environmental concerns and discomfort with the facility's proximity to residential areas. Despite these objections, the Planning Board unanimously found the application consistent with the Forward 2040 Plan.
The proposal now awaits consideration by the City Council, though a date for the vote has not yet been set.