Spartanburg Council Advances Data Center Deals Amid Noise and Pollution Concerns

Spartanburg County Council advanced development agreements for three data center projects on second reading: the Valara facility on South Pine Street, a proposed site on Jones Road, and an upgrade to AIB’s existing operation on Tyger River Industrial Drive. The proposals promise billions of dollars in investment, jobs and community benefits, while residents and some council members raised concerns about noise, pollution, environmental protections and missing site-plan and schedule documents. The agreements still require a final vote, with county officials saying outstanding materials are expected to be released before the next meeting; the county is also working on additional data-center rules, including noise standards.