BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
The Statesville City Council on Monday voted to approve a rezoning request for a huge data center proposed for Stamey Farm Road in western Iredell County.
The vote came at the conclusion of a public hearing in which more than two dozen people expressed their opposition to the Compass Data Centers proposal. Company officials said the development, which includes construction of five 270,000-square-foot buildings on a 330-acre parcel, will involve an initial investment of more than $1 billion.
Mayor Pro Tem David Jones made the motion to approve the first reading of the rezoning request. Councilwoman Doris Allison seconded the motion, and council voted unanimously to approve it.
Several people voiced their discontent with the vote as they left the council chambers.
Of those who spoke at the public hearing, there were a few who spoke in favor of the data center.
The city’s planning staff and the Statesville Planning Board both recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Editor’s Note: This article will be updated with additional details from Monday’s meeting.
After spending nearly 3 hours watching this pitiful display of political trash, It’s a wonder they didn’t approve way back in December when it was first introduced or did they? Those of us in West Iredell have no voice. We can’t vote anyone onto the city council and when they don’t respond to their constituents we have no way to vote them out. No regard for the many negative public comments, no regard for the petition with 1,300 West Iredell signatures condemning the project. I think I’ll spend my money in neighboring counties from now on. It is unfortunate I have to pay property taxes in Iredell County.
Why is the city making this decision for the county? I live in the city but have to pay both taxes (which doubles the amount) yet I can’t vote for county officials. Sounds a little messed up doesn’t it!
Editor: City of Statesville residents are eligible to vote in all countywide elections.
They tried this in my county. My point is that all the jobs created are for residents of the closest cities. If it brings in all this extra tax money, then what percentage does my property and local taxes go down?
People want change but don’t want to do anything to change the community. This will bring more jobs and open our area to the crossroads it should be. We have 2 major interstates in Statesville. We should be a lot bigger than what we are. Let Statesville grow and thrive.
No one knew it was happening or even the farm was for sale.
What people here have asked for change? The property got annexed out of the County’s jurisdiction before those of us in W Iredell even blinked. NO OTHER OPTIONS WERE OFFERED AND THE CITY DID NOT QUESTION THE LONGTERM DANGERS OF THIS FACILITY AT ALL! Yes, the Stamey family can sell to whomever they wish. What is built on that property should be regulated and researched!
Finally, the Statesville City Council got it right. I watched the public comments on YouTube and was amazed at how many uninformed people spoke. It was clear that many had not watched the presentations Compass gave at earlier meetings. Too many jumped to conclusions, and some don’t even live near the proposed facility.
The tax revenue generated from this project will be a game changer for Statesville. If our leaders manage it wisely, we’ll finally see projects and improvements that residents have only hoped for. The City Manager will be able to move initiatives forward instead of delaying them due to lack of funding.
This was the right decision by Council, and I thank them for having the courage to do what’s best for the community.
As someone who actually lives next to this area, this monstrosity will wreck havoc on the traffic and noise pollution in the area. There’s so much unused industrial space already in Statesville. Ridiculous to further damage our air quality by rezoning dwindling farming space. Not to mention the issues data centers this size can cause with water quality and power.
My only concern is for the community who said they didn’t want it… let this be an example to you all when it comes to voting! We have to collectively come together and put people in positions who will vote how we want them to vote and not some personal bias towards different projects!
This part of West Iredell can’t vote for city council members so we literally can’t vote for people who will side with us.
No concerns about WATER or electric?
Compass addressed this in their presentations – they’ve never used water for cooling. They’ve created a closed-loop system for AI cooling but it will recycle water – like a car radiator does. They’ve also said they will cover the cost of utility infrastructure upgrades necessary to service the site to avoid costs being passed on to ratepayers.
They’re not going to pay for the new power plants that will be needed to service the humongous loads these data centers require. Ratepayers will pay for those.
I, for one have not heard or seen any mention of the infrastructure that the proposed business would naturally (as is with most other responsible jurisdictions) would provide ie; road improvements, water, sewer, storm drainage/retention pond(s). These are just a few of what should have been considered other than just tax revenue that typically is from current and new residents anyway, since businesses usually get such a hefty tax incentive already.
Please. Short term gains never make up for long term use.
When the majority of people say NO we dont want this, then the council should listen. Who does the city council represent? Supposed to be the people. This is why elections matter. Even if you live in the county, you can get involved with the upcoming city of Statesville elections. We need new council members & a strong mayor. Wasson & Allison need to go to the house.
The land belongs to the Stameys. If they want to sell it, then they can. If someone didn’t want the data center, then they should have purchased the land and done with it what they wanted. Don’t see anyone fundraising to buy the property. So let the buyers do what they want with it. Sad that we live in a world where others think they can tell you what to do with your property.
It sucks when you have commercial property in the city limits and live outside the limits you can’t vote for city council members! What would it matter?