Planning Board recommends denying rezoning for proposed Rural Hall data center
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Planning Board recommended denying a rezoning request for a proposed hyperscale data center in Rural Hall. Residents voiced concerns about noise, water usage, and the impact on rural character, despite the developer, The Drox Group, touting economic benefits and revised plans. The final decision rests with the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Planning Board voted Thursday to recommend denying a rezoning request for a proposed hyperscale data center in Rural Hall, North Carolina. The decision was met with applause from numerous residents who attended the public hearing to oppose the development.
The Drox Group, the developer, sought to rezone 129 acres across from the Rural Hall Town Hall for the project. During the hearing, residents expressed significant concerns regarding potential noise pollution, excessive water consumption, and the industrial facility's impact on the area's existing rural character. Developers, represented by Michael Foess, argued that the project would address these issues, maintaining noise levels below 60 decibels and minimizing water use, while also promising nearly $80 million in tax revenue for Forsyth County over 10 years.
Despite the economic arguments, Planning Board member Lindsey Schwab stated that the proposal conflicted with the county's land-use plan, which aims to minimize industrial development impacts on surrounding communities. The board ultimately sided with the community's concerns.
The Planning Board's vote serves only as a recommendation. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to make the final decision on the rezoning request next month.