A controversial data center proposal in Walnut Cove is on hold after the Stokes County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to reverse a zoning decision that cleared the way for the development.
The move comes after advocacy groups filed a lawsuit alleging the county failed to follow legal procedures during the approval process.
“We did not follow statutorily mandated timing of our notifications to residents," said Stokes County Manager Jeff Sanborn. "It was an oversight. Nobody was trying to do anything wrong, but we recognize that we failed in that regard, and that it was appropriate for us to nullify the rezoning.”
Sanborn says the developer, Engineered Land Solutions, must now file a new zoning application to revive the project.
ELS CEO Drew Nations says the company plans to do just that. In a statement, he added that it will continue working with county leaders on “technical updates” ahead of resubmitting.
The data center plan is largely unpopular among Stokes County residents, with thousands signing a petition against it.