Guilford County Commissioners Plan Work Session on Data Center Development
Guilford County Commissioners are planning an upcoming work session to educate themselves on data centers, following a contentious debate in Greensboro, which recently enacted a temporary moratorium. The discussions will address key concerns such as water and electricity consumption, noise, and zoning considerations, drawing insights from a state conference and Chesterfield County, Virginia's experience.
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is preparing to hold a work session to delve into the complexities of data center development. This move follows an intense debate within the Greensboro City Council regarding large data centers, which recently culminated in the council's 8-0 vote to enact a 180-day moratorium on projects requiring more than 10 megawatts of electricity.
Guilford County Commissioner Pat Tillman highlighted the significance of data center discussions during the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference in Durham. He emphasized the need for commissioners to educate themselves on the topic, citing a UNC School of Government expert on legal issues concerning moratoriums and land-use regulations, as well as insights from Chesterfield County, Virginia, which has actively recruited data centers while simultaneously tightening its regulatory framework with conditional-use permits.
Concerns echoing those raised in Greensboro, such as water consumption, electricity demand, noise, and facility placement, are expected to be central to Guilford County's upcoming session. Commissioner Tillman noted that while data centers offer substantial tax revenue potential, their varied characteristics and minimal job creation post-construction necessitate careful consideration of location and zoning. Commissioner Frankie Jones confirmed the county's plan to discuss the issue within the next 30 to 45 days. The commissioners aim to be well-informed on the matter, learning from Greensboro's recent experience and historical county projects like the opposed Project Haystack from 2013.