Stokes County voids data center rezoning after lawsuit

The Stokes County Board of Commissioners voted to reverse a rezoning decision that had previously cleared the way for a controversial data center project in Walnut Cove, North Carolina. This action was taken after advocacy groups initiated a lawsuit, claiming the county had failed to adhere to legally mandated notification timings for residents during the approval process. According to Stokes County Manager Jeff Sanborn, the procedural oversight was unintentional but significant enough to warrant nullifying the rezoning. As a result, the developer, Engineered Land Solutions (ELS), must now submit a new zoning application. ELS CEO Drew Nations confirmed the company's intention to reapply, stating they will collaborate with county leaders on 'technical updates' before resubmission. The data center proposal has faced strong opposition from Stokes County residents, with thousands signing a petition against the development.