Lee County board rejects call for 180-day data center moratorium, questions future projects
The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved a heavily opposed data center on Lower Moncure Road despite protests from residents. The board rejected a proposed 180-day moratorium on future data center approvals, while discussing power infrastructure costs, noise controls and site cleanup requirements.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved the Lower Moncure Road data center after a year of opposition from local residents. Board Chair Samantha Martin questioned zoning attorney Brady N. Herman about how the county should handle future data center proposals, including potential transmission-line and substation needs.
Commissioner Reives proposed a 180-day moratorium on data center development approvals, exempting the Lower Moncure Road project and setting a public hearing for Nov. 2, 2026. The board rejected that call. Officials also discussed recently adopted development rules requiring noise studies, a maximum operating level of 65 decibels, periodic sound testing at the company's expense and removal of a facility within 12 months of closure. Central Electric Membership Corp. and Duke Energy representatives said developers would be responsible for the costs of specialized equipment and related infrastructure upgrades.