Welcome to CityView Today! Even a whiff of a data center puts people on alert, concerned the noise pollution and strain on natural resources and infrastructure seen with some mega facilities will manifest itself in their backyard like an unwanted Buc-ee’s. With 94 data centers and counting across North Carolina, the concerns are real.
I witnessed the passion data centers can provoke in a recent forum hosted by the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation. About 50 people showed up and peppered Robert Van Geons, FCEDC’s president and CEO, and John Geib, a former Duke Energy employee, with questions before Geib had the chance to finish his slide deck.
People had more questions than Van Geons and Geib had answers. But that was the point. Van Geons organized the event so the community and its elected leaders, a handful of whom attended, could prepare in case developers come calling. The city and county don’t have development standards tailored to large data centers, which are already sniffing around the county.
In today’s newsletter: Van Geons briefed county commissioners on Thursday as county staff drafts zoning regulations for data centers. A commission meeting on March 16 will include a public comment period focused on the draft policy. Also, the county’s lawsuit against Big Chem over contaminated water moved a step closer to trial.
Thanks for reading,
Matt Hennie
Editor-in-Chief
More from CityView
Judges Clear Way for Trial in Cumberland County’s Contaminated Water Lawsuit
County wants Chemours, DuPont to pay damages for allowing PFAS forever chemicals into drinking water and fund water infrastructure in affected areas.
Cumberland County Drafting Its First Rules for Data Center Developers
Cumberland County commissioners are considering the county’s first data center ordinance, directing staff to draft definitions and performance standards ahead of a March hearing.
Obituaries
Rebecca Adelle Canady
Rebecca Adele Canady passed away on Sunday, February 15.
Delma Tart Black
Delma Tart Black, 87, passed away on Monday, February 16.
Lawrence Hines Grinage
Lawrence Hines Grinage, 82, passed away on Tuesday, February 10.
Until tomorrow!
🎭 The Artist Village community theater in Hope Mills is holding auditions for the Nunsense musical comedy about the Little Sisters of Hoboken. The production has roles for men and women. Auditions are at 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at 3788 South Main St., Hope Mills. Visit the Artist Village’s auditions page for more information.
~ Paul Woolverton
