A discussion item on data centers was pulled from Orange Town Council’s meeting agenda Monday.
Council member Jason Cashell had requested the discussion be placed on the agenda. It was pulled in a motion by member Donna Waugh-Robinson, instead moving the discussion to the October worksession. Mayor Harrison Cluff said the change was made to allow for a presentation on the subject. He said the town is in the midst of a process with respect to data centers, having updated the definition and eliminating the by-right use earlier this year. The issue was then set aside until a forum could be held to educate the council, planning commission and public on the issue before making policy decisions.
“We have someone who has agreed to do a forum for us,” Cluff said. “We want everyone to be educated so we can then move forward with proposed discussions that are more informed than they would be at this point.”
Cluff also said there has been activity in the Town of Orange regarding data centers since December of last year other than discussion between town staff in relation to policy and the search for a qualified speaker.
In a social media video posted Tuesday, Cashell said he suspected many left the meeting frustrated just as he did because they came there to have a long awaited conversation on data centers. He said the October worksession is being billed as a way for people to listen and learn about data centers.
“I ask myself is that really the question,” Cashell said. “Are people uninformed or misinformed? People are very informed and educated; they’re not on the fence about this issue.”
Cashell said folks are overwhelmingly opposed to data centers in the town. He encouraged everyone to attend the October meeting and also pay attention to what candidates are saying regarding data centers.
On Wednesday evening, town council members and town manager Chris Snider released a letter to town residents and the town’s Orange County neighbors stating the council and staff are not engaging in any discussions with data center developers or companies; in receipt of, anticipating receipt of or reviewing any data center applications; actively recruiting any data center developers or companies; considering annexation of any property in Orange County into the town limits; or aware of any conversations between data center developers or companies and any private property owners within the town boundary or in the town environs.
“Speculation and rumor mongering are harmful to public discourse and the fabric of our community,” the letter states. “Threatening comments directed at public officials are harmful to public discourse. Comments asserting that public officials are receiving bribes are harmful to public discourse.”
The letter included the names and handwritten signatures of Snider and four council members. While Cashell’s name was also listed, his signature was not included.
Meanwhile, attending a town meeting is now akin to a professional sports game with a new clear bag policy issued Monday morning. No bags or backpacks are permitted in the town’s community meeting room during meetings. Only clear bags are permitted. It’s unknown if the new rule was spurred by a specific occurrence.
