Charleston residents raising concerns again about possibility of data center
Charleston, Tennessee residents are renewing their concerns about a potential data center development in Bradley County. They are advocating for a moratorium on data center construction to protect the local environment, including the Hiwassee River, and have submitted a petition with nearly 2,000 signatures.
Residents of Charleston, Tennessee, are renewing their concerns about a potential data center development in Bradley County. Despite new zoning regulations adopted in April, locals, including Ryan and Carrie Cortez who own BNB Marina, fear their peaceful community near the Hiwassee River could be impacted by an industrial project.
The concerns stem from several property owners on Lower River Road being approached to sell their land. Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis read a statement from Charleston-based Wright Brothers, a construction company, confirming they are actively looking to sell 850 acres currently zoned for agricultural use. While Wright Brothers stated no development plans or end-users have been finalized, they believe the property's topography, transportation access, proximity to the Hiwassee River, and direct access to Interstate 75 make it suitable for various commercial and industrial uses.
Residents addressed the Bradley County Commission, urging them to consider a moratorium on data center development, similar to one being voted on in neighboring Hamilton County. Although new zoning regulations are in place, some commissioners are open to exploring a temporary study period. The Cortez family emphasizes the potential ecological impact on the Hiwassee River, its bald eagles, rare indigenous plants, and fishery, and highlighted a petition signed by nearly 2,000 people opposing any data center in Charleston.
No vote on a moratorium has yet been scheduled in Bradley County.