New Application Filed for Controversial Data Center in Stokes County
The contentious proposal for a data center in Stokes County is back in the spotlight as the developer resubmits its application for consideration. Known as “Project Delta,” the hyperscale data center’s new rezoning application was submitted earlier this week by Engineered Land Solutions.
Initially, the Stokes County Commissioners had approved a zoning change for the Walnut Cove facility in January. However, a legal dispute invalidated that decision, necessitating a fresh application from the developer.
Assistant County Manager Bryan Miller has indicated that it will take several months before a final decision is reached. The application must first undergo a review process before being forwarded to the planning board, which has a 30-day window to make a recommendation to the commissioners. A public hearing will follow this recommendation.
“We’re going to put this through the process just like we put everything through the process,” Miller stated. “And we’ll look with the same amount of scrutiny.”
Despite persistent opposition from residents, the board has not entertained a temporary halt on data center projects, a measure that counties like Surry and Watauga have adopted. A request for a six-month moratorium was also turned down by the board.
Given the significant public interest in the project, officials have enhanced transparency by adding a dedicated tab for data center updates on the planning department section of the county’s website.
