Commissioners respond to data center concerns of Richmond County residents
Richmond County commissioners addressed concerns from residents regarding a proposed data center on County Home Road and future data center developments. Residents expressed strong opposition, citing environmental impacts and property value concerns, and requested a moratorium. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns, clarified existing zoning, and discussed the future of economic incentives for such projects.
Richmond County residents voiced significant concerns about data center developments at a recent commissioners' meeting in Rockingham. Steve Coulthard and other residents expressed opposition to the recent private sale of over 400 acres on County Home Road to a data center company, citing potential noise, air, and water pollution, along with heavy water and power usage from the proposed six-building campus and power substation. They also raised concerns about the proximity to elementary schools and called for a six-month to one-year moratorium on data center development.
Commissioners, including Chairman Jeff Smart, Vice Chairman Jason Gainey, and Commissioner Andy Grooms, thanked residents for their input. Smart clarified that the County Home Road land was sold between private entities and is already zoned for heavy industry, limiting the county's ability to prevent development without risking a lawsuit. Commissioner Grooms stated his opposition to more data centers and highlighted the challenge of the existing heavy industrial zoning. He also referenced a potential third data center site on Old Cheraw Highway, noting that its zoning would be a decision for the City of Rockingham, which previously rezoned a tract of this property for high-density residential use.
Commissioners Justin Dawkins and Jamie Gathings discussed the board's role in economic development, particularly regarding incentive packages. Dawkins stated there would be "little to no support" for future data center incentive packages, with companies expected to pay their way, contrasting it with a previous package for Amazon. Gathings defended the Amazon decision, emphasizing the need for economic growth and infrastructure improvements in Richmond County, which is ranked as one of North Carolina's most economically distressed counties.