As Guilford County debates the future of data center development, conflicting opinions have emerged, leading to a delay in the decision-making process. The county’s potential six-month moratorium on new data centers has sparked discussions among residents and officials about the appropriate length of such a pause.
The majority of participants in a recent public hearing argued that a six-month moratorium is insufficient. Bree Guerra, a local resident, voiced a desire for a 32-month suspension, stating, “Any regulation put in place surrounding this profit-driven industry is guaranteed to get challenged in court and challenged in many other ways. And as we all know, the courts and these systems take time. We’re asking for 32 months in part to see what legal language by other communities will turn out to be the most effective.”
Notably, Northampton County has already implemented a 32-month moratorium, being the first in the state to do so. Meanwhile, over 50 areas have opted for shorter moratoriums, though some leaders are hesitant about these longer pauses.
Forsyth County recently declined to support any moratorium, expressing concerns over potential lawsuits from developers. In contrast, Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston expressed readiness to delay the vote, pointing out the absence of formal proposals for new data centers.
The Guilford County board plans to revisit this issue on November 5, as they continue to deliberate on the best course of action.
