Community Divided as Stokes County Faces Key Vote on Hyperscale Data Center
The ongoing debate over a proposed hyperscale data center in Stokes County reached a pivotal moment this week. Residents had their final opportunity to voice their opinions to commissioners ahead of a crucial rezoning decision.
At Tuesday’s public hearing, the crowd overflowed into the parking lot of the county government center, with attendees setting up lawn chairs and listening to the meeting via outdoor speakers. Among them was Brenda Mabe, who came prepared with snacks.
“Well it was dinnertime, we didn’t know how long we were gonna be here,” she said, laughing.
The atmosphere resembled that of a lively event, with the crowd cheering and heckling in response to different parts of the discussion.
Feedback from these meetings seems to have influenced the proposal. Engineered Land Solutions CEO Drew Nations presented a series of new standards the company would adhere to, should the rezoning be approved. These include stricter regulations on noise, energy production, and water consumption.
The company also conducted an archaeological review of the proposed site, pledging to preserve areas of historical significance.
Despite these concessions, many outside the meeting remained skeptical.
“I mean, they’ll say anything to get that money, to get the land. They’ll say anything,” remarked Debra Demske of the Foothills Sierra Club.
Inside the government center, commissioners listened to hours of public comments addressing environmental and health concerns. Yet, not all feedback was negative.
Gary Wilkins, a resident, argued that the potential tax revenue could significantly benefit the county, which is experiencing a decline in both population and income.
“We’ve got many reasons to vote for the data center. I love this county. I love the fact that we are rural, but we cannot continue to pay for this county at the current rate that we’re going,” he stated.
Signs advocating both for and against the data center have become a common sight along Stokes County roadsides in recent months. However, the outcome remains uncertain as the decision rests with the commissioners.
The vote is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
