Data center debate in Spartanburg County
Spartanburg County Council is taking initial steps toward a possible one-year moratorium on data centers. Residents are voicing frustration over a lack of transparency, as the discussion occurred in an executive session without clear mention on the public agenda. A final vote on the proposed moratorium has not yet been taken.
The Spartanburg County Council has initiated steps towards a potential one-year moratorium on data center developments in the Upstate region. This decision follows significant push-back regarding proposed data centers, prompting the council to have the County Manager and County Attorney draft the moratorium proposal.
However, the process has sparked frustration among some residents who allege a lack of transparency. The discussion regarding the moratorium took place in an executive session, which is not open to public viewing or listening. Residents noted that the official public agenda did not clearly indicate that a data center moratorium would be discussed, catching them off guard.
Council member Jessica Coker, who posted a video about the discussion on her Facebook page, stated she aimed for transparency. Yet, residents express a desire for more open communication from leaders, asserting that official information should come from the county council's official website, not individual social media pages. A final vote on the moratorium is still pending.