A proposed data center off Stamey Farm got the OK from the Statesville City Council on Monday. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the rezoning request and annexation for the project.

Compass Datacenters has plans to build five buildings on the 350-acre property off exit 146 along Interstate 40. Monday's vote to approve a rezoning and annexation that will allow for the project was not well-received by some in the council chambers or downstairs at City Hall.

"You sold us out," was said by one person who spoke out against the data center as they left the meeting after the vote.

Not everyone who spoke was against the data center, but it was the prevailing opinion in the room.

A second vote on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 6. The vote is likely to pass unless c

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