The Charlotte Observer week in review

East Charlotte data center delayed amid calls for ban

American Tower Corporation has requested a one-month deferral on its rezoning petition for a proposed data center near Reedy Creek Nature Preserve in east Charlotte, pushing the City Council hearing to May 18. The Boston-based company seeks to rezone 58 acres for a 40,000-square-foot facility off Hood Road, which could open by mid-2028 if approved. Community opposition has grown, with a petition exceeding 4,200 signatures and concerns over noise, water quality, and rising electric bills. At-large councilwoman Dimple Ajmera proposed a moratorium on all data centers pending city regulations, while District 5 councilman JD Mazuera Arias said he would consider a citywide ban. City planning director Monica Holmes said policy recommendations are expected within three to six months. District 6 councilwoman Kimberly Owens urged colleagues to keep an open mind, warning that banning data centers could push companies to store data overseas.

Reported by Nick Sullivan, published April 20

JPMorgan Chase plans 400 new jobs, new office

JPMorgan Chase is expanding its Charlotte footprint with a new corporate office lease at One Piedmont Town Center, located at 4725 Piedmont Row Drive in the SouthPark area. The bank anticipates adding 400 corporate office employees locally over the next several years, with staff expected to move in by early 2028. The five-floor, 145,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate more than 1,000 employees and will consolidate over 600 workers currently spread across two SouthPark buildings. New roles will span commercial, investment, private, and consumer banking sectors. JPMorgan Chase first opened a Charlotte commercial banking office in 2011 and today employs about 1,000 people across corporate offices and nearly 30 local branches, serving roughly 500,000 consumer customers and 35,000 small businesses in the region.

Reported by Chase Jordan, published April 21

Officer suspended after body-slamming teen at West Charlotte High

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department school resource officer was suspended without pay after an internal affairs review found he used excessive force against a teenage girl at West Charlotte High School. Officer Hasun Rogers allegedly slammed freshman Ke’Nadie Cathey to the ground in late October, causing her to lose consciousness and suffer a seizure. The family’s attorney shared a March 10 letter from Chief Estella Patterson confirming the suspension. It’s unclear from the letter how long the suspension lasted, or whether it’s ongoing. Cathey’s family previously stated she suffered a subdural hematoma, a type of brain bleed. According to the letter, Rogers had been warned about a potential gang fight and used his Taser’s arc function to disperse a crowd before the incident. Cathey had allegedly struck a staff member and a student before Rogers intervened, lifting her off the ground before slamming her down. CMPD declined to comment on the matter.

Reported by Ryan Oehrli, published April 21

Jon Rahm’s caddie lists $14M record Lincoln Co. estate

Jon Rahm’s longtime caddie, Adam Hayes, is selling his 100-acre estate in Iron Station, North Carolina, for $13.995 million — a price that would shatter Lincoln County’s residential record. The previous high was $6.85 million, according to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Built in 2021, the gated property features a 5,400-square-foot home with four bedrooms, a 3,000-square-foot recreational facility, a commercial gym, a saltwater pool, and a $75,000 Full Swing golf simulator. Two creeks, trails, and open pastures round out the estate. Jackie Thiel, president of Premier Sotheby’s, noted buyers are seeking privacy and scale beyond traditional lakefront locations. Lincoln County’s average sale price sits near $543,000, making Hayes’ listing a dramatic outlier.

Reported by Desiree Mathurin, published April 21

Duke Energy CEO pay draws fire amid rate hike push

Advocacy groups are criticizing Duke Energy after the utility disclosed that its top executives earned nearly $22 million in 2025, even as it pursues rate increases for North Carolina customers. New CEO Harry Sideris, who took the role in April 2025, received approximately $13.6 million — a figure covering only a partial year. Former CEO Lynn Good received about $8.3 million before stepping down. Duke says roughly 90% of Sideris’ pay is performance-based or stock-tied, aligned with reliability and customer outcomes. Critics, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and Environmental Defense Fund, argue the compensation is inappropriate for a state-granted monopoly seeking double-digit rate hikes. Duke maintains its North Carolina rates remain below the national average and that executive pay is not directly tied to customer rates, with regulators setting profit limits.

Reported by Nora O’Neill, published April 23

Catawba Co. to merge three school districts

Catawba County commissioners voted Monday to consolidate the county’s three public school systems into a single entity, a decision that will affect roughly 23,000 students across Catawba County Schools, Hickory City Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools. The new “Catawba Valley School District” is set to officially launch July 1, 2028, pending approval from the State Board of Education, which could come as early as June. A nine-member appointed board will govern the district initially, with elections not beginning until 2030. The vote drew strong opposition from educators, parents, and community members, who argued commissioners had not conducted sufficient analysis. Newton-Conover Superintendent Emily Shaw said the merger introduces uncertainty where stability currently exists, while Hickory City Schools Superintendent Jennifer Griffin warned of potential funding losses tied to student populations.

Reported by Nora O’Neill, published April 21

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 4:14 PM with the headline "The Charlotte Observer week in review."