Charlotte Residents weigh in on proposed data center moratorium
Charlotte City Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed 150-day moratorium on new telecommunications and data storage facilities. Residents overwhelmingly supported the pause to allow time for establishing clear standards and evaluating cumulative impacts, especially concerning electricity and water usage. The City Council is expected to vote on the moratorium on June 8th.
Charlotte City Council held a public hearing on a proposed 150-day moratorium on new data center and telecommunications facility development, drawing a packed chamber of residents. The majority of speakers expressed support for the temporary pause.
Kibri Everett, a Charlotte resident and researcher, advocated for the moratorium as a reasonable planning tool. She stated it would allow the city to establish clear standards, evaluate cumulative impacts, determine appropriate requirements, and develop environmental justice safeguards before irreversible land use decisions. Rev. Dr. Janet Garner-Mullins also emphasized the need for communities to be heard before projects are in motion.
Currently, American Tower Corporation has a pending request to rezone 58 acres off Hood Road for a data center. Some residents, like Craig Reynolds, specifically called for the city to ensure data centers contribute their fair share of taxpayer revenue to offset electricity and water rates.
Conversely, some speakers, including Collin Brown with Alexander Ricks PLLC and Bobbi Jo Lazarus representing real estate developers, cautioned against the moratorium, arguing that data centers are critical infrastructure for modern business and innovation. Despite acknowledging concerns, they suggested the pause could hinder Charlotte's progress. The Charlotte City Council is scheduled to vote on the data center moratorium on June 8th.