Statesville residents split over large-scale data center project

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A developer is one step closer to turning farmland into a massive data center.

On Tuesday night, the Statesville Planning Board approved to rezone property near Stamey Farm Road off Hickory Highway.

Compass Data Centers wants to build five warehouse-style buildings, which would be designed to house servers, and other computer technology equipment.

The proposal also includes a future substation and a temporary plant to support construction.

Some area residents are in favor of it.

“It’s a good thing for Statesville,” said Brian Fulbright, a resident. “It’ll continue to put us on a map because this is a good place to live.”

However, some residents are concerned with traffic and lithium batteries inside the center while others are worried about losing farmland.

“It’s pushing the animals everywhere,” said Raymond Mahaffey, a resident. “The deer have no idea where they’re gonna go. They’re going to go out in the middle of the street, is what they’re gonna do.”

There is a public hearing next month.

If approved at the first reading, the city council would make a final decision on Oct. 6.

VIDEO: Statesville Planning Board to review 350-acre data center project