City Council Approves Data Center Moratorium, Residents Push for Longer
The Greensboro City Council enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data centers with electrical demand over 10 megawatts, a compromise length between the originally proposed 120 days and the 32 months advocated by residents. During this period, the council plans to establish new ordinances for data centers. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the moratorium's duration, pushing for a longer pause to ensure meaningful community input and policy development.
The Greensboro City Council has approved a 180-day moratorium on new data center developments with an electrical demand exceeding 10 megawatts. The decision, passed with an 8-0 vote, came after significant public input where many residents advocated for a longer, 32-month pause, expressing concerns that the 180-day period is insufficient for developing comprehensive policies.
Mayor Pro Tem Denise Roth recused herself from the vote and all data center discussions, citing potential conflicts of interest due to her board position at Gateway Research Park, the planned site of a previously approved project called the "Dream Center." Although a prior plan for the Dream Center expired last year, Roth felt her involvement could compromise the integrity of the council's decision-making process given the evolving understanding of how new ordinances might impact the project.
Despite public dissatisfaction with the length, council members, including Cecile Crawford and Adam Marshall, assured residents of their commitment to developing robust ordinances during the six-month period. They emphasized the council's dedication to protecting citizens while maintaining a business-friendly environment and encouraged continued public engagement.