Stanton annexation request raises residents’ questions about possible data center

STANTON, Tenn. (WBBJ) - Wednesday evening a Stanton municipal planning commission meeting took place at Stanton town hall.

Members of the community filled town hall with the intention of getting a better understanding on the city’s plans and to express concerns about possible data centers moving into their region.

Thomas Stringer, Stanton landowner said, “That’s really why we’re all here, you know, just so we can be in the know and nothing gets swept under the rug.”

Stanton’s planning commission agenda listed a public hearing and consideration of an annexation request for land owned by the Juanita Buchanan and children’s trust. The agenda describes the request as approximately 164 acres.

Residents say they want clear answers about what is being proposed such as the real reason the area needs to be re-zoned as industrial. They say they are worried about the developments the re-zoning would bring and how it would impact their town.

“This is our home, this is where we live. The proposed land is right behind my property, you know, I could throw a rock and hit it. So, if it does come in it will disrupt everything that we have worked so hard for,” continued Stringer

Town hall was so full of Haywood county residents that many were even standing outside to hear what leaders had to say in response to their concerns.

A data center has not been confirmed as the proposed use for the land.

There will be another meeting held next week for further discussion and a possible vote on whether or not to approve the proposed annexation of the land.