CHARLOTTE — The decision on a proposed data center in east Charlotte could come after city leaders vote on whether to extend the pause on new data centers until next October.
Charlotte City Council is scheduled to vote on extending its pause on new data center applications until Oct. 18 of next year, giving applications until Oct. 18 of next year giving the city more time to study impacts and develop rules.
A WSOC-WRAL poll with SurveyUSA earlier this month found 43% of North Carolina adults favor encouraging development or allowing it if companies pay the full cost of energy, water, and infrastructure. 42% favor a temporary pause or oppose additional development.
The proposed data center on Hood Road in east Charlotte has some neighbors concerned about what it could mean for their homes. Workers who build these facilities see an opportunity to support their families.
For Union Electrician Jessica Wilson, data center construction has meant steady work.
“It’s changed my lifestyle,” Wilson says, “I’ve been able to buy a house and pay off a lot of debt and stabilize myself.”
She says those construction assignments typically last 18 to 24 months.
Ulysses Agard chose Creekside Grove for its peace and quiet. His home is just steps away from the Hood Road property.
“It just doesn’t make sense to have something like that so close to the property,” Agard said.
Agard told Channel 9’s Lauren Crawford that he worries about the noise and utility demands and wants the pause extended.
American Tower told Channel 9 in April it planned closed-loop cooling, with heating and cooling noise comparable to office systems.
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Wilson values her work but shares some of the same concerns.
“I don’t want to build things that are going to hurt me or my child or my community,” Wilson says.
Union organizer Melissa Reyes helps electricians find data center work. She wants stronger protections while keeping construction work moving.
“I talked about the concerns that I have because I live here, my family lives here,” Reyes said, “I don’t wanna jeopardize our future at the expense of jobs. I think there can be a level of compromise.”
Agard says he’s even discussed moving if the project near his neighborhood moves forward.
The City still lists the Hood Road rezoning hearing as pending.
The request would allow up to 40,000 square feet of office, data storage, and telecommunications space.