City of Statesville Approves Moratorium for Incoming Data Centers

Inside of the Statesville City Hall during the public hearing on data centers (Samantha Hill/Lake Norman Record).

Residents of Iredell County filled the Statesville city hall on Monday evening to attend the public hearing on incoming data centers. After the city announced their public hearing session online, residents showed up to express their concerns. 

According to the city’s website, “The Statesville City Council is considering a proposed 150-day moratorium on new data center applications. The temporary pause would allow the City to review its existing development regulations, receive community input, and determine whether updates are needed.”

After hearing concerns from citizens, Trey Robinson announced “Mr. Mayor, I am moved to approve the moratorium as written with one amendment to section two, subsection four. I would like to extend the 150 days to 180 based on discussion with senior staff and public input this evening.” With a second from Doris Allison, the motion was carried unanimously. 

Residents holding on signs that are against the implementation of data centers in Statesville (Samantha Hill/Lake Norman Record).

Public Hearing from Citizens

General concern and consensus from the public hearing were about the known and unknown impacts of data centers within residential areas of Statesville. Citizens addressed their concerns about water usage, noise pollution, environmental impacts and long-term usage of data centers. Multiple residents requested long-term studies, transparency and representation for the residents in Statesville. 

In addition, residents expressed their concerns about the current, approved data center construction on Stamey Farm and the lack of communication from the city to residents. Cinnamon Black, resident of Statesville and worked in water resources management, “I do live from the Stamey Farm. I didn’t receive a notice for it. The people who live downstream that I have talked to, none of them knew that this was coming.” 

To listen to the full council meeting, visit this link here.