Charleston residents raising concerns again about possibility of data center

CHARLESTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- “We just want to do our part and leave it better than we found it.”

Ryan and Carrie Kertesz have owned the B&B Marina on the shores of the Hiwassee River in Charleston since 2019.

The marina itself has existed since the 1950s.

Carrie Kertesz said, “We wanted to make it a place that the community could gather.”

Back in April, Bradley County residents became concerned that a data center was coming to the Charleston area.

This led to the county adopting new zoning regulations around those facilities.

However, they are concerned the peaceful hangout spot could soon have a unwanted neighbor, as several owners representing nine adjacent properties west of I-75 on Lower River Road say they have been approached to sell their properties.

Ryan Kertesz said, “We are just trying to keep the beauty of the Hiwassee River and keep it beautiful instead of being strip mined for today’s dollar and tomorrow’s dismay.”

They addressed the Bradley County Commission about their concerns.

Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis read a statement on behalf of the Charleston based Wright Brothers, a construction company known for their work on road projects.

They confirmed in that statement they are actively looking to sell 850 acres that is currently heavily forested and zoned for agricultural use, and have had talks with nearby property owners about acquiring their properties.

However, that statement did not explicitly mention a data center despite community concerns that a data center could be developed.

Mayor Davis, reading the Wright Brothers statement, said, “The Wright family continues to actively market its approximately 850-acre parcel, which has been available for several years. Because of its topography, transportation access, proximity to the Hiwassee River, and direct access to Interstate 75, the property is well suited for a variety of commercial and industrial uses. At this time, no development plans have been finalized, no end user has been selected, and no local approvals have been submitted. The family continues to evaluate multiple opportunities and remains committed to identifying a project that creates lasting value for Bradley County and its residents.”

The Wright Brothers went on to say in the statement that, “In the spirit of transparency and partnership, the Wright family is committed to sharing any future development plans with local elected officials, civic leaders, neighboring property owners, and the public as soon as appropriate. The family believes open communication and community engagement are essential to any successful project.”

This led to discussion over whether or not Bradley County should adopt moratoriums like neighboring counties.

Walker County just approved one last week, and Hamilton County will vote on a year long moratorium on Wednesday.

However, due to passage of zoning regulations in April, which mandated that data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations would only be approved in a I-2 zone, or Special Impact Industrial Districts, it was questioned whether Bradley County would have the legal authority to enact a moratorium with rules already in place.

Bradley County Attorney Crystal Freiburg explained to the commission, “You can’t just place a moratorium in order to just say we’re never gonna allow this. If you’re going to do a moratorium, you have to say the period of time that you give yourself to study something.”

Some commissioners seemed to indicate they want to explore a potential moratorium in spite of the passage of those zoning regulations.

Commissioner Milan Blake said, “If we wanted to make the ordinance better or make a change to it, it’s not an absolute no that we can’t do a moratorium.”

The Kerteszes say they want that moratorium.

Ryan Kertesz said, “We’ve asked for a moratorium to further study the effects this is going to have on the ecology of the Hiwassee River, the bald eagles in the river. There’s certain indigenous plants that are very rare there and what’s gonna do with our fisheries.”

They say nearly two thousand people have signed a petition against any data center coming into Charleston, as they say this shows the strength of their community.

Ryan Kertesz said, “These people don’t give up without without a fight and God bless them for it. I appreciate them and that’s kind of the best part of our community. That everybody appreciates everybody and we will make sure that stays that way, that we keep our community.

No vote on a moratorium has been scheduled in Bradley County.