When it comes to turning 399 acres of Dale Earnhardt’s old land into the location for a new data center, the people say, “No!” Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Sr.’s widow, was hoping to bring a $30 billion “technology park” to Mooresville. That doesn’t appear like it will happen now.
Kerry Earnhardt, the oldest son of Dale Sr., was an outspoken critic to the new proposal. The deal would require rezoning residential/agricultural lands to industrial use. While the monetary investment would have been large, residents worried about the impact on the community.
Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney has recently come out and spoken to the Charlotte Observer. He does not believe the board will approve the deal and he will likely not vote “yes” if he is required to break a 3-3 tie.
Carney noted that, without knowing who will run the data center (Amazon, Apple, Google, etc.), it is difficult to vote to approve the deal.
“So we, as a group, have had a really hard time with that and I just can’t imagine anybody voting yes without the answer,” Carney said. “This question is fundamental to them voting yes.”
Kerry Earnhardt made his feelings publicly known. A few residents did as well at a recent board meeting.
“Dale was a hero of mine,” said H.A. Mergen, a former NASCAR engineer. “This land is Dale’s legacy — make no mistake about it. I believe we all know what Dale would want his legacy to be.”
While Dale Earnhardt isn’t around, there are many fans and of course, family members, who want to preserve his legacy any way possible. There are also residents who just want to know their daily lives aren’t going to change dramatically.
“These are our lives, said Donna Jones, who lives half a mile from the proposed data center. “Our property value. What’s going to happen to that? Who’s going to want to buy or build a house next to a data center?”
So, it looks like public outcry is against the plan to change Dale Earnhardt’s land for the data center. It will take approval from the local government. Are they willing to risk losing support to bring in a big-money project?
While there are many things to consider, the public has been clear. Kerry Earnhardt has also been clear. When we get to September, we will see what the Mooresville government decides.
