Vance Co. board approves rezoning for possible data center development despite residents' opposition

The Vance County Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 to approve a rezoning request for land near Henderson, potentially paving the way for a data center project by developer Natelli Investments. The land in question is along U.S. 158. Natelli Investments, previously involved in a scrapped data center proposal in Apex, has not officially confirmed the rezoning is for a data center, but the connection is implied. The board's decision was met with significant public backlash from residents attending the special meeting. Several people yelled at commissioners, with one woman exclaiming, "You just sold out. I'm leaving. I'm leaving. But shame on all of you and every single one of you up here." Her comments were met with applause from others in attendance, some of whom booed after the commissioners adjourned. The context of data center development across central North Carolina was also highlighted. Apex leaders recently enacted a temporary one-year suspension on a proposed data center development, and Wendell held a public hearing regarding a moratorium on such facilities. The Wake County Board of Commissioners has also discussed plans and resources for data center developments.