Charlotte Residents Mobilize Against Data Center Rezoning Proposal
Residents in East Charlotte are actively opposing a rezoning request for a new data center. The petition, initially scheduled for review at a public hearing on Monday, will now be delayed as the rezoning petitioner has sought additional time.
American Towers, the company behind the proposal, has asked the Charlotte City Council to defer its decision until May 18. This request comes in response to considerable public opposition and the need for further community engagement to address these concerns.
Currently, American Towers operates a wireless communications tower and a small data storage facility on a 58-acre site near the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. The company plans to expand its operations by constructing a new data center aimed at providing server space to small- and medium-sized businesses.
Local resident Jeffrey Chen, who resides near the proposed site, has been instrumental in organizing resistance against the rezoning request. Chen emphasized, “If people don’t want this in their neighborhood, then it shouldn’t be built.”
The online petition, which has garnered over 4,000 signatures as of Friday morning, reflects the community’s stance. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Party for Socialism and Liberation is preparing to rally community members at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center during the rescheduled zoning hearing.
