Jackson Commissioners hear data center concerns, select school architect

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on data centers before its regular meeting Nov. 3, where commissioners selected an architect for the new consolidated middle school and Blue Ridge School projects and approved a grant application for a sidewalk feasibility study along U.S. 64 East in Cashiers. Data Center Public Hearing Jackson County residents spoke before the board to voice concerns about data centers during a public hearing held in accordance with the One-Year Moratorium on the Development of Data Centers Ordinance (O2026-02), adopted by the Board of Commissioners. Dr. Karen Kandl, a senior instructor in Western Carolina University's College of Arts and Sciences, discussed the negative environmental impacts data centers have, including air, noise and water pollution. She said medium-sized data centers require 500,000 gallons of water per day, which she equated to water usage of 1,000 households. Kandl also said increased pollution caused by data centers could affect the health of county residents and potentially reduce tourism. "In 2025, tourists spent $486 million in Jackson County alone," said Kandl. "If we build data centers here, we will destroy our beautiful county, which attracts tourists and tourist dollars." Casey Walawender, who is set to become a Jackson County Commissioner in District 1, said she has a family member who works in data center development and has discussed the topic with him. She said their conversations highlighted the importance of the county's natural resources and the challenges small, local governments face when addressing the issue. "Local governments have a really hard time, especially small local governments, knowing and understanding the steps and precautions that need to be taken," said Walawender. "He said that's where things tend to go astray a lot of times because companies will come in, put something up, and then you have a power grid or water supply that can't handle it." Walawender also mentioned that a data center in Cherokee County is set to be upgraded, raising concerns among community members how the power grid and water systems will handle the increased demand. She added that Cherokee County did not put enough restrictions in place and urged Jackson County Commissioners to take the time needed to conduct in-depth research before making decisions. Henry Kornegay, a Cullowhee resident who spends part of the year firefighting in the Western U.S., said he has witnessed the negative effects of data centers firsthand on other municipalities, noting limited community benefits and impacts on water and electricity. "The amount of electricity passing the exaggerated cost to local citizens, with the turbine and diesel generators that use the power, as well as the noise and air pollution that seems to be so penetrating that folks can't get away from it, even up to a mile away from these things – people's quality of life goes way down to the point where a lot of them try to move, but it tanks their property value so far down they can't sell," said Kornegay. Sylva Resident Chris Hamlet said the issue of data centers revolve around resource management and quality of life. He said decisions regarding data centers should occur after the county holds comprehensive discussions with Duke Power and the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority regarding additional demands on the electrical grid and water supply. Hamlet also noted that an overlooked cost of data facilities involves the high-voltage power lines needed to transport electricity to them. "The clear cut for a high voltage line going to a small data facility is 100 to 150 feet wide, equivalent to a high speed, two-lane highway," said Hamlet. "What is overlooked is the placement of these lines is completely outside the county's control. The state controls approval and placement of power lines through the North Carolina Utilities Commission, at the request of electric companies, if the grid requires upgrades to meet demands." Hamlet said property values along the new high-voltage power line routes would "crash" as the state exercises imminent domain. He added that the county could adjust zoning rules to limit where data centers can be built and how they can operate. He said he was neither in support nor against data facilities, and asked the Board of Commissioners to find answers to his questions, communicate with residents and then determine what zoning changes are required to best serve the county's future. Blue Ridge School Project Architect County Manager Kevin King said he was impressed with both Cope Architecture and LS3P Architects following presentations at October meetings. He recommended the board to select either firm to lead the architectural work for the new consolidated middle school and Blue Ridge School renovation projects. Vice Chairman Todd Bryson said he appreciated that Cope Architecture had visited the site and appeared to have completed additional preliminary research. However, he also noted that LS3P Architects had worked on projects in the area. "I'm fine with either, but I like the fact that Cope knew about our site, and was able to give us a breakdown of the timeline and things like that, especially when the timeline is very important on this project." Commissioner Michael Jennings also said both firms were well-qualified and would do a great job, but felt Cope had done more preliminary work and seemed to have more availability. The board unanimously approved a motion to select Cope Architects for the middle school and Blue Ridge School projects. Resolution R26-19 – NCDOT's Paved Trails and Sidewalk Feasibility Study Grant Application Planning Director Michael Poston asked the Board of Commissioners for permission to apply for the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Paved Trails and Sidewalk Feasibility Study Grant through its Integrated Mobility Division and approve an accompanying Resolution of Support. In 2021, Jackson County completed the Jackson County Walks Plan through a NCDOT Pedestrian Planning Grant with the help of a Steering committee consisting of partners from the school system, WCU, SCC, law enforcement, Chambers of Commerce, Planning Councils, Planning Board, municipal representatives, Parks and Recreation, Vision Cashiers, Vencinos, Safe Routes to School and several others. The plan, which identified several potential projects across Jackson County, was designed to develop a vision for a countywide multimodal transportation network. Planning staff are working with Vision Cashiers to prepare an application for a feasibility study of a proposed sidewalk project along U.S.64 East from the intersection of N.C.107 to Cashiers Shopping Center. The project is identified in the Jackson County Walks Plan. Poston said a feasibility study is the first step in defining the project's scope, potential sidewalk location, property impacts and estimated costs. The feasibility study is projected to cost $80,000, and Vision Cashiers has offered to cover half of the $16,000 match requirement. The board unanimously approved Poston's request and the Resolution of Support. Mitch Stone is a reporter at The Highlander and can be reached at reporter@highlandsnews.com

Jackson Commissioners hear data center concerns, select school architect

Contact Us