York County, SC, is ramping up oversight on data centers amid resident pushback over noise, power demands, light pollution, and environmental impacts—especially near rural spots like Lake Wylie and the expanding QTS site.
Key Developments
- Friday’s Council Meeting (Feb. 6): Kickoff to update zoning code for data centers. Potential new rules on sound/vibration limits, cooling systems, buffers/setbacks, equipment screening, and building designs. Changes could apply immediately after first vote.
- QTS Data Center (Hands Mill Hwy/Campbell Rd): $1B project with 2023 tax incentives. Recent $26M land buy for expansion; public meeting Feb. 10 at Oakridge Middle School. Neighbors worry about doubled power use, tree clearing (offset elsewhere), and lost starry skies for kids.
- Zoning Shifts: Considering data centers as “special exceptions” in industrial zones (requiring case-by-case review) vs. “by-right” in business/tech areas. Ties into broader debates, like Silfab Solar lawsuits over light industrial vs. heavy industrial zoning near Flint Hill Elementary.
Public voices like Rebecca Cichy and Steve Penland highlight the human side: preserving childhood stargazing in a once-peaceful rural area. Smart move by the county to act before more projects lock in issues. This echoes Lowcountry growth tensions—balancing jobs/tech with quality of life. Thoughts on how they should handle the power grid strain?
