Thousands oppose a data center in residential East Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A corporation wants to build a massive data center in East Charlotte. American Tower Corporation already owns the land on Hood Road near Reedy Creek Park, but Charlotte City Council would have to approve a re-zoning for commercial use.

More than 4,200 residents have signed a petition pushing back against the plan to build a 40,000 square foot facility on 58 acres of land surrounded by residential property and a park.

“These data centers are causing a great strain to our water systems and potentially polluting our water and in a time like today where we’re having restrictions on water usage due to a drought in North Carolina, this is even more disturbing,” Dr. Apryl Alexander, East Charlotte Resident and Public Health Professional said.

According to the application for re-zoning, American Tower would use the site for offices, data storage, and telecommunication. Residents say American Tower has yet to hold any community meetings and declined the opportunity to show up and talk to the group. The group against the data center wants American Tower to work with the community to address environmental concerns.

“It’s a very parasitic entity in these neighborhoods. It’s been proven all over our country.
And what I don’t appreciate is the lack of communication given to the people who live there,” Gustavo Toro, East Charlotte Resident said.

The group opposed to the project wants council to vote against the re-zoning and make a plan to address data centers in the city.

“Council should impose a moratorium on data center development in the city of Charlotte, because should this rezoning pass, the precedent it sets, not just for East Charlotte, but city wide, will be disastrous,” Greg Asciutto, Executive Director of Charlotte EAST said.

American Tower asked Charlotte City Council to delay the re-zoning hearing until May 18th at the next re-zoning meeting.