Commissioners reject attempts to pause data center project
The Lee County Board of Commissioners rejected two attempts by residents to impose a moratorium on a proposed data center facility. Residents expressed strong opposition over concerns about noise and quality of life, but commissioners cited procedural issues for not enacting an immediate pause. The board instead passed a resolution urging the state legislature to research data center regulations.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners rejected two separate motions to pause a proposed data center facility on Lower Moncure Road, despite significant public opposition. Over 150 residents attended the meeting, with 21 speakers voicing concerns during a two-hour public comment period.
Board Chair Samantha Martin introduced a surprise resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly to research and enact statewide legislation for data centers, which was met with frustration from residents who felt it offered no immediate local relief. Later, Commissioner Eric Davidson proposed a 90-day moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns about noise and its effects on health and wildlife. However, County Attorney Whitney Parrish advised that the board lacked the authority to enact an immediate moratorium without following state-mandated public hearing and notice procedures.
Residents, including Donna Evenson, Ron Hewitt, Eric Evenson, Debbie Hall, and Mark Mansfield, expressed anger, fear, and frustration over the project's potential impact on their quality of life, perceived lack of transparency from officials, and the slow pace of governmental response. Commissioner Robert Reives acknowledged the residents' impatience but assured them the board was committed to addressing the issue correctly, even if slowly.