Moratorium approved for Yadkin County as potential Yadkinville data center project announced

The Yadkin County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas following an hour of public comments. This decision, extending an initial 12-month proposal made by Commissioner Cliff Collins, aims to give county leaders time to review land use plans and potential regulatory changes.

The approval coincided with the announcement that Enovum Data Centers, operating as White Fiber, is acquiring two Unifi properties in Yadkinville for a new data center campus, NC-2 and NC-3. This project, targeting 60 MW initial capacity and potential for 200 MW, is expected to be ready by Q3 2027 and would significantly expand White Fiber's presence in North Carolina.

Residents voiced overwhelming opposition during the public hearing, citing concerns about water and electricity consumption, loss of farmland, impacts on rural character, noise, property values, and potential health issues from low-frequency hums. Janet Robbins, a multi-generational farmer, emphasized the need to protect community resources and the quality of life valued in Yadkin County.

While most comments were negative, local resident Dean Swaim suggested a six-month moratorium to evaluate options and mitigation efforts, advocating for data centers as a source of tax revenue. Yadkinville Town Manager Mike Koser confirmed the town would address concerns about the White Fiber project, noting that the property is already zoned for industrial use, presenting no immediate zoning hurdles. The county's enacted moratorium does not apply to municipalities like Yadkinville.