STOKES COUNTY, N.C. — The Stokes County Board of Commissioners voted Monday night to approve the rezoning for an 1,800-acre AI data center in Walnut Cove, a decision that drew strong opposition from hundreds of residents concerned about environmental, financial and quality-of-life impacts.
The rezoning passed by a 3-2 vote after months of public debate. According to a representative from the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office, between 300 and 400 community members gathered inside and outside the meeting to voice their opposition.
Many residents say they were not properly informed about the project, which would be built near the Dan River and Tuttle Road on land they say holds historic and cultural significance…