Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge council to curb data centers, citing environmental and tax concerns
Summary
Several residents told the Town of Hildebran council they oppose data centers near town, raising environmental, bee‑health and tax issues; council members noted recent zoning updates but said state law limits local authority.
Several residents at the Town of Hildebran’s May 18 council meeting urged local officials to act against proposed data centers, saying the facilities would harm the environment and escape local taxation. "They are damaging to the environment and they don’t have to pay taxes," citizen James Boggess said during public comment.
Other speakers repeated similar concerns. Thomas Fanizza asked that a special‑use permit require companies to prove water and power usage and to cease operations immediately if they fail to comply. Kurt Schroeder, who identified himself as a beekeeper, said the facilities would be harmful to bees.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stroupe and Council Member Ben Honeycutt responded that the Town has updated zoning ordinances related to data centers and encouraged residents to contact their state representatives. Honeycutt also cited HB 382 when explaining limits on what the town can prohibit. Town Attorney Jared Amos cautioned that directing citizens on advocacy was beyond the public‑comment forum.
The council did not take action on data‑center regulation at the meeting. Residents were told how to review the ordinance and pursue concerns through their representatives. The council later continued with other agenda items.
