Davie County residents express demands for data center moratorium
Davie County residents are voicing strong opposition to potential data center development, citing concerns over resource consumption, environmental impacts, and the need for thorough research. They plan to ask county commissioners to enact a moratorium on data center projects, with county staff already evaluating options for discussion. A petition opposing the development has quickly gained hundreds of signatures.
Community members in Davie County, North Carolina, gathered in Mocksville to express significant concerns regarding potential data center development in their rural area. Over 40 individuals voiced opposition, fearing impacts on water and land resources, increased runoff, and general overdevelopment without adequate prior research. Robin Mason, an outspoken opponent, called for a "brake" on development to allow for careful examination before permitting stages.
A petition launched online has already garnered over 800 signatures, indicating widespread community sentiment. Residents raised alarm about the potential surveying of a 600-acre property near US-601, NC-801, and Pleasant Acre Drive, although the landowner confirmed no sale process has begun and could not specify buyer interest. Davie County Manager Brian Barnett acknowledged developer interest in various county locations, including the Jerusalem area, and stated that any industrial development would necessitate rezoning from the current residential and agricultural designations.
Opponents plan to formally request a moratorium on data center development from the Davie County commissioners during the public comment section of their upcoming July 6 meeting. While Davie County Government clarified it was not involved in the recent community meeting, Manager Barnett confirmed that county staff are actively collecting information and evaluating options for a potential data center moratorium, which will be discussed at the July 6 meeting.