Residents continue to argue for moratorium on data centers
Residents in Lee County, NC, continue to actively oppose a proposed $900 million data center project by Helix Ventures and PointOne Data Centers, urging county commissioners to enact a moratorium. Concerns include noise, water and electricity usage, and environmental impacts. An application for the project's first phase has been submitted but no action has been taken by the Technical Review Committee.
Residents of Lee County, North Carolina, once again presented their arguments against a proposed data center development to the Lee County Board of Commissioners, this time emphasizing factual points over emotional appeals. The project, a $900 million technology park near the Jetport, is a joint venture between Helix Ventures and PointOne Data Centers, as announced by the Sanford Area Growth Alliance in June.
During Monday's meeting, about 20 speakers voiced their concerns, with many criticizing a non-disclosure agreement between Helix Ventures and PointOne Data Centers, which they believe hinders transparency. The proposed site is currently zoned for Light Business-Industrial Development, and an application for the initial phase of the project was submitted to the Technical Review Committee in June, but no decision has been rendered.
Since January, residents have consistently raised objections at nearly every Board of Commissioners meeting, focusing on potential adverse effects such as increased noise levels, significant water and electricity consumption, and broader impacts on local nature and wildlife. Speakers, including Eric Evanson of Lower Moncure Road, were met with applause from an overflow crowd, reflecting the intense and ongoing opposition to the data center plans.