Data center opponents speak out before commissioners
Nearly 20 residents addressed the Lee County Board of Commissioners, expressing strong opposition to a proposed 300,000 square foot data center by PointOne and CyrusOne. Concerns include potential environmental impacts, resource extraction, and questions about the legitimacy of previous land rezoning. Opponents are urging the county to enact a moratorium on data center development.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners recently heard from nearly 20 residents who voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center on Lower Moncure Road. The project, put forth by Virginia-based PointOne, involves a 300,000 square foot facility on 56 acres, with Dallas-based CyrusOne slated to operate it. This initial phase is part of a larger 430-acre development.
Opponents raised various concerns, including environmental impacts, resource extraction, and the significant electricity and water demands of such a facility. Resident Eric Evenson claimed the land was rezoned in 2025 under "false pretenses" for a quiet business park, not an industrial-scale data center. Michelle Eaves highlighted the 24/7 industrial nature of modern data centers, contrasting it with the perceived