Matthews data center project withdrawn because of ‘public distaste,’ mayor says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Developers withdraw rezoning request for Project Accelerate, halting plans.
- Proposal targeted 123 acres for a 600 MW data campus with five buildings.
- Residents mounted protests and a 2,700-signature petition, citing power and character concerns.
The developers behind a proposed data center in Matthews have withdrawn their rezoning request with the city, halting plans that had drawn weeks of public backlash.
The data center, dubbed Project Accelerate, called for five two-story buildings across 123 acres along East John Street near Interstate 485. Developers with Engineered Land Solutions said the site could house a large data campus requiring up to 600 megawatts of electricity — a level some residents described as “massive.”
The development team initially sought to rezone the property from residential to industrial use to allow construction of the data center.
“The development team for Project Accelerate has requested withdrawal of its rezoning petition,” a spokesperson for Crosland Southeast, one of the development companies involved, said in a statement Tuesday evening. “This will allow additional time to explore options.”
The proposal had faced strong resistance from nearby residents, who packed recent town meetings to raise concerns about noise, power, water use and the town’s character. Some said the industrial-scale project didn’t belong near neighborhoods like Brightmoor, which borders the site.
“What I want for Matthews is responsible development,” resident Emily Moore told commissioners at a September meeting, after launching a petition that gathered more than 2,700 signatures. “Way more than a data center, I would love to see a neighborhood. I would love to see community space… I think it’s a bigger conversation than even just this property off East John.”
Others argued the plan risked raising electricity bills and permanent changes to the town’s identity.
Mayor John Higdon confirmed the withdrawal Tuesday evening, thanking residents for their involvement.
“For many of you who have been following the proposed rezoning for a data center on John Street, the developer has withdrawn its application,” Higdon wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for your diligence and engagement through this process; your investment in our community is one of the many reasons Matthews is an incredible place to call home.”
Higdon told The Charlotte Observer the developer withdrew the request due to the “overwhelming public distaste” for the project. He said he was doubtful the developers would resubmit the project or propose a different use for the site.
Higdon, who was barred from voicing his opinion on the project until public hearing closed, said he saw some upsides to the project. The tax revenue it would have generated for the town could have covered 40% of the annual budget, he said.
Still, he said the public brought forward concerns that were not adequately addressed by the developers.
“600 megawatts is a lot. (There’s) pollution concerns, noise concerns, and I think they’re all very valid concerns,” he said. “And ultimately those concerns are what led to the downfall of the project.”
A spokesperson for the development company declined a request from the Observer to answer questions. The rezoning request had been scheduled for additional meetings and a public hearing later this month, which are now cancelled.
This story was originally published October 8, 2025 at 9:29 AM.
