Kerry Earnhardt Fights Data Center Plans on Family Hunting Grounds

Kerry Earnhardt Fights Data Center Plans on Family Hunting Grounds

In a wave of local opposition, Teresa Earnhardt’s proposed data center project is stirring up significant concerns among residents and even members of the Earnhardt family themselves. Kerry Earnhardt, her stepson and eldest son of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., has stepped into the spotlight, urging against the construction of this data center on land historically used by his father for hunting. In a heartfelt YouTube video shared on X, Kerry highlighted the emotional ties to the land, reminding viewers that it holds deep personal significance and is not merely a parcel for industrial use. His message has resonated strongly with the locals, who have recently become aware of the plan after a rezoning sign appeared this year.

The land in question, situated on Patterson Farm Road, was annexed into town two years ago, bringing along watershed rights tied to the Coddle Creek Reservoir. Initially designated for agricultural, residential, and rural use, a rezoning request last year shifted the classification to ‚flex industrial‘. However, this change has sparked alarm in the community, especially after the Morrisville Planning Board unanimously voted to deny the rezoning before the developer, Tract, took over and revealed a far more expansive project. The proposed data center now encompasses over 1,000 acres, boasting plans for five buildings, a staggering daily water usage of 500,000 gallons, and 350 megawatts of power—along with 120 diesel generators.

Community Pushback

Residents of Iredell County have come out in full force against the data center, voicing their discomfort and fears about its environmental and community impact. Concerns have been raised about potential threats to local wells, soil integrity, and the very character of the rural landscape they cherish. The nearest home lies just less than 50 feet away from the proposed site, casting a shadow over the residential neighborhood that many have nurtured for years.

At a recent meeting of the Mooresville Board of Commissioners, the public expressed their opposition strongly, setting a public hearing for September 15 to delve deeper into the proposal. Not only are neighbors resisting the data center, but they are also questioning the motivations behind the annexation process, which leaves them voiceless in regards to officials making these crucial decisions. Kerry Earnhardt voiced the critical point that residents are unable to vote for the very people influencing their community’s future.

A Cautious Approach

Mayor Chris Carney appears to have taken the concerns of the community to heart, recently expressing hesitance over the massive $30 billion project due to a lack of confirmed end-users. Rumors have floated about potential operators, including major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, but these suggestions remain unverified. Mayor Carney has critiqued Tract’s development strategy, which involves constructing the facility first and searching for buyers later, labeling it an unnecessary risk for the town’s well-being.

This local opposition is not an isolated incident, either. The broader data center industry in the U.S. is currently facing a fierce backlash, with over $64 billion in projects either blocked or delayed as communities voice their concerns. Reports indicate that nearly $18 billion in projects have been canceled, while another $46 billion have stalled in the past two years due to public pushback.

As residents grapple with the implications of the proposed data center project, the community sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the substantial environmental and infrastructural pressures these developments may foster. With public understanding of data centers remaining scant, community mobilization could serve as a crucial vehicle for shaping future developments. The ongoing debate surrounding Kerry Earnhardt’s emotional plea against the data center is just one facet of a larger nationwide movement urging for responsible and community-oriented development practices.

In a climate where local communities are more empowered to influence development, it remains to be seen how this particular chapter will unfold for the Earnhardt family and their legacy.