Developer proposes data center with police EMS substation in rural North Carolina

On April 22, 2025, the Mooresville Planning Board convened to discuss a significant proposal for a new data center campus on a 400-acre site in Iredell County. The meeting highlighted the strategic choice of location, primarily due to existing power transmission lines, which are essential for the operation of data centers. This decision aims to minimize environmental disruption by avoiding the need for new power corridors.

The proposed development plan includes a substantial commitment to preserving the environment, with approximately one-third of the property designated as undeveloped land. Notably, a 52-acre area on the eastern side is classified as a preservation zone, ensuring that wetlands and natural habitats remain untouched. The developers also plan to establish a police or emergency medical services substation on-site, enhancing community safety and response times in the area.

In terms of infrastructure, the developers are proposing a 100-foot natural buffer around the site, exceeding local zoning requirements. This buffer is designed to mitigate visual and noise impacts from the data center, which could reach heights of up to 100 feet. A traffic impact analysis (TIA) has been conducted, revealing that the data center would generate significantly fewer daily trips compared to potential residential development on the same land. While a residential project could produce around 3,700 trips per day, the data center is expected to generate only about 1,000 trips, indicating a lower impact on local traffic.

The developers are also addressing potential noise concerns by committing to a noise study at the time of the building permit application. This study will evaluate the sound levels produced by the equipment used in the data center, ensuring compliance with community standards.

Overall, the discussions during the Planning Board meeting reflect a careful balance between development and environmental stewardship. The proposed data center not only aims to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure but also incorporates measures to protect the surrounding natural landscape and enhance local emergency services. As the project moves forward, the community will be watching closely to see how these plans unfold and what further discussions will arise regarding their implementation.