Article

The Fayetteville City Council faced internal conflict over data center regulation, emphasizing the urgency for clear guidelines as proposed developments loom. Council member Shaun McMillan proposed a motion for council-led policy creation, highlighting residents' concerns about transparency and environmental impacts.

Mayor Mitch Colvin countered, asserting the Planning Commission's ongoing work on an ordinance should be prioritized. The draft ordinance aims to regulate data center locations and impacts, including noise and utility demand. Fayetteville prohibits data centers in residential zones and requires Special Use Permits in commercial areas, with ongoing community pushback for more public input and potential moratoriums.