Community rallies against possible data center
Between 150 and 200 residents of Bradley County, Tennessee, gathered at a local restaurant to discuss strategies to halt a potential data center development. The community is concerned about a proposed annexation by Cleveland and a zoning change from agricultural/residential to commercial use, which they believe is intended for a data center. A new group, the Hiwassee River Alliance, is forming to oppose the project.
Between 150 and 200 residents packed the B&B Marina's Paradise Point Restaurant in Bradley County, Tennessee, on Monday night to discuss stopping a potential data center. The proposed site is west of Interstate 75’s exit 33 and is currently under consideration for annexation by the city of Cleveland, with a zoning change request from farm, agricultural, and residential (FAR) to commercial use (CG).
While no specific plans for a data center have been submitted, residents like Hiwassee River Alliance founder Ryan Kertesz, owner of B&B Marina, and others surmise the zoning change is to allow such a development. Concerns were raised that this action might circumvent recent Bradley County restrictions prohibiting data centers near Walker Valley High School. The zoning request for the 385.58-acre property along State Route 306 (Lower River Road) is being made by Wright Brothers Construction Company LLC and is on the Cleveland Municipal Planning Commission’s agenda for August 18. Many attendees plan to attend that meeting.
Bradley County Commissioner Milan Blake and Commissioner-elect Josh Taylor were present at the community meeting. Residents discussed steps to block the project, citing concerns about industrialization, increased traffic, and the perceived underestimation of their community's resolve. A new group, the Hiwassee River Alliance, is being formed to actively work against the proposed data center.