County commissioners respond to data center concerns
Richmond County Commissioners addressed public concerns about data center development and transparency during a recent meeting. Commissioners clarified that a recent private land purchase by Digital Realty was not county-initiated and discussed limitations on preventing development on industrially zoned land. While supporting the existing Amazon project, some commissioners indicated they would not back economic development packages for future data centers.
The Richmond County Board of Commissioners recently convened in Rockingham, North Carolina, to address public concerns regarding data center development, county transparency, and their role in future projects. Chairman Jeff Smart acknowledged the community's opposition, clarifying that Digital Realty's recent land acquisition on County Home Road was a private transaction, not involving the county. He noted the property is already zoned for heavy industry, which limits the county's ability to outright prevent development without facing legal action.
Commissioner Andy Grooms expressed his desire to avoid additional data centers in the county and reiterated the private nature of the County Home Road land sale. He also specified that any decision regarding a third potential data center on Old Cheraw Highway would fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Rockingham. Grooms, despite his opposition to more data centers, does not support a moratorium and suggested that development on the County Home Road site is not imminent due to a lack of infrastructure.
Commissioners Jason Gainey, Justin Dawkins, and Jamie Gathings voiced continued support for the ongoing Amazon data center project, citing its potential to generate significant tax revenue and stimulate economic growth, replacing jobs lost from the textile industry decline. They emphasized Amazon's commitment to self-funding its infrastructure, including working with Duke Energy, to avoid straining county services. However, Commissioner Dawkins stated he expects minimal board support for future economic development packages for data centers, insisting that new developers must "pay their way." Gathings also called for greater transparency and advocated for using the new revenue to improve critical county infrastructure, such as waterlines and sheriff's departments.
The commissioners collectively assured residents that their concerns were heard and would be considered, while also underscoring the county's need for increased revenue. They highlighted their commitment to making the best decisions for citizens' future, even if those decisions sometimes diverge from public opinion, and promised accountability.