Matthews reopens public hearing on data center rezoning after residents raise noise, water and traffic concerns

The Town of Matthews Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 22 to reopen the public hearing on zoning application 2025-815, also described in the meeting as "Project Accelerate," and continue the hearing to Oct. 13 so residents can present additional comments.

The action follows two weeks of public input and a packed public comment period at the Sept. 22 meeting in which residents and local experts raised questions about noise, water use, air emissions, traffic and the long-term local benefits of the proposed data center.

Mayor John F. Higdon said the board added the continuation so more people could speak. "Anyone that's here tonight may speak on this rezoning during public comment if you wish or at the October 13 continuation if that's if that's approved," Higdon said during the meeting.

The hearing reopening was prompted in part by residents who said they learned of the rezoning only recently. "I will reiterate it was quite surprising to get this data center news over the past couple of weeks," said Jennifer Lynch during public comment. Lynch and other residents told commissioners they felt neighborhood notification…