Lumberton City Council Will Consider Data Center Ordinance Nov. 9
The Lumberton City Council is scheduled to consider an ordinance establishing rules for a possible future data center at the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park. The proposal would regulate energy and water use, stormwater, noise, air quality, setbacks and buffers, while related annexation and rezoning efforts remain underway. Residents and local advocates are seeking more public discussion before the city proceeds.
Lumberton City Council is set to consider a data center ordinance on Nov. 9 after the city planning board approved a draft. No data center has been approved, but city officials say developers have made several inquiries, including Project Alps, a potential 50-megawatt facility that could represent $550 million to $750 million in investment and create 10 to 20 jobs.
The ordinance would apply to the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park and address electricity and water use, stormwater, natural resources, noise, air quality, setbacks and buffers. Annexation and rezoning of the site are also in progress. Council members cited potential tax and utility revenue, while residents and Concerned Citizens for Better Government called for more transparency and time to evaluate possible impacts. A community meeting involving city officials and local organizations was scheduled ahead of the council discussion.