Cary weighs temporary halt on new data centers
Cary officials are considering a temporary moratorium on new data center construction. This pause would allow town leaders to examine how the industry could affect local water resources, particularly Jordan Lake. A vote would follow a public hearing and staff recommendations.
Cary Town leaders, spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, are actively considering a temporary moratorium on new data center development. During a recent discussion, concerns were raised regarding the industry's potential impact on local water resources, with specific emphasis on Jordan Lake, which serves as Cary's primary source of drinking water.
The proposed halt aims to provide town staff with adequate time to study the long-term environmental and resource implications of data centers. The next steps involve directing staff to present a report, a recommended timeline for the moratorium, and a public hearing, before a formal vote at a future council meeting.
While Cary continues to attract tech infrastructure, with companies like Hitachi Energy planning facilities to support AI data centers, some residents expressed apprehension about the rapid pace of development. Public sentiment highlighted issues such as rising housing costs, increased consumption of resources, land use, and traffic, advocating for more thorough research before further construction proceeds.