Matthews, NC, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Matthews, NC is witnessing a divide among residents regarding ‘Project Accelerate,’ a proposed data center on a 123-acre wooded area near downtown. Concerns include potential increases in energy and water bills, noise pollution, and property values, while some local businesses express optimism about increased foot traffic. Town officials are updating the public on the proposal’s status, having postponed a vote initially scheduled for September. The broader implications of such data centers reflect a growing trend across North Carolina as communities weigh the pros and cons of digital infrastructure developments.
Matthews, North Carolina is experiencing a community divide over a proposed data center, known as “Project Accelerate,” which aims to occupy a 123-acre tract of wooded land near downtown. The site, located along East John Street near I-485 in Mecklenburg County, is the subject of significant discussion among local residents and town officials. Developers Crosland Southeast, Crow Holdings, and Engineered Land Solutions are behind the initiative.
Town commissioners in Matthews were scheduled to receive an update on the proposal on September 23, 2023. At a previous meeting on September 8, residents expressed a mix of optimism and concerns regarding the potential impacts of the data center on the town. While some local business owners support the project, believing it could enhance foot traffic and patronage to nearby establishments, many residents voice apprehensions.
Concerns raised by the community include potential increases in energy and water bills, noise pollution, and the risk of diminished property values and water quality. Additionally, some residents prefer more residential and commercial developments such as grocery stores or apartment complexes over an industrial facility like a data center. A presentation at the September 8 commission meeting indicated that the proposed data center conflicts with the town’s Small Area Plan, which promotes mixed-use developments.
Residents were encouraged to express their opinions to the commissioners during upcoming meetings. Project supporters claim that the data center will benefit Matthews by offering modern infrastructure options, reducing environmental impacts, and addressing potential Duke Energy upgrades that may be required by the project.
The proposed development intends to achieve sustainable goals while keeping commuter traffic minimal, according to statements from the project’s public relations spokesperson. Although the Planning Board had initially scheduled a vote on the rezoning application for September 23, they decided to postpone the vote until a public hearing on October 13.
Local opposition has also been recorded in nearby communities considering similar data center projects. As data centers are recognized as essential facilities for digital infrastructure, the increasing demand for such developments stems from advancements in artificial intelligence and cloud computation. Some Matthews residents consider this data center proposal part of a third wave of data center development, which encompasses substantial AI facilities and developer-driven initiatives, expressing a need for more information about specific operational details.
Across North Carolina, similar proposed developments illustrate a statewide trend of communities grappling with the benefits and challenges posed by data centers. As discussions continue, the outcome of the decision regarding the placement of “Project Accelerate” will be closely monitored by Matthews residents and nearby communities alike.
FAQ
- What is “Project Accelerate”? “Project Accelerate” is a proposed data center seeking to occupy a 123-acre tract of wooded land near downtown Matthews, North Carolina.
- Who are the developers behind the project? The project is a joint venture involving developers Crosland Southeast, Crow Holdings, and Engineered Land Solutions.
- When were town commissioners scheduled to receive an update on the proposal? Town commissioners were scheduled to receive an update on the proposal on September 23, 2023.
- What concerns have residents raised regarding the data center? Residents have raised concerns about increases in energy and water bills, noise pollution, and impacts on property values and water quality.
- What alternatives do residents prefer instead of a data center? Many residents expressed a desire for more residential and commercial developments, such as grocery stores or apartment complexes.
- What is the status of the Planning Board’s vote on the rezoning application? The Planning Board initially planned to vote on the rezoning application on September 23, but decided to postpone until after a public hearing set for October 13.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Project Accelerate |
| Location | 123-acre tract near downtown Matthews, NC |
| Developers | Crosland Southeast, Crow Holdings, Engineered Land Solutions |
| Update Meeting Date | September 23, 2023 |
| Public Hearing Date | October 13, 2023 |
| Main Concerns | Energy/water bills, noise pollution, property values |
| Community Preference | Desire for grocery stores or apartment complexes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Local Elections Set for September 9
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Opinion on Data Center
- Wikipedia: Matthews, North Carolina
- WBTV: Proposed Data Center in Matthews
- Google Search: Matthews North Carolina data center news
- Data Center Dynamics: Project Accelerate
- Google Scholar: Project Accelerate data center
- QC News: Community Debate on Data Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Centers
- Charlotte Observer: Local News on Data Center
- Google News: Data Center Matthews
Author: HERE Charlotte
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