Farmville board adopts 12-month moratorium on potential data center after residents voice opposition
The Farmville Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers, pausing any potential development decisions. This decision followed a public hearing where residents voiced concerns over environmental impacts, water usage, and potential utility rate increases. The town will use this period to review ordinances and develop standards for land uses.
The Farmville Board of Commissioners in North Carolina has unanimously enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development, following a public hearing on Monday. Town leaders stated the pause is a proactive measure to allow staff to review existing ordinance language and establish specific development standards for such land uses.
The decision came after several residents expressed strong opposition during the meeting. Concerns primarily revolved around potential environmental impacts, significant water consumption, and the risk of increased utility rates for local citizens. Resident Lynn Faircloth highlighted environmental destruction, while Jessica Mercer, a Farmville native, pointed to instances in Maryland where utility bills reportedly doubled or tripled due to data center presence.
Farmville Mayor Alex Joyner emphasized that the moratorium provides the board with crucial time to gather more information and ensure any future decisions align with the town's best interests and residents' concerns. Town Manager Justin Oakes, in his final meeting before resigning, noted that while no data centers have been approved, East Energy Renewables had previously presented a concept. The board retains the option to extend the moratorium beyond the initial 12 months.