Frequenty Asked Questions
1
What happened to a moratorium?
There was a "consensus vote" (which is an informal vote) at the work session on Aug. 10, 2026 for a 60-day moratorium. This vote was officially conducted at the monthly commissioner meeting on Sept. 14, 2026. A moratorium pushes a temporary "pause button" on processing building applications and issuing permits for data centers. A moratorium does not stop applications from being submitted; just from being processed. Any changes made to the local laws or ordinances during a moratorium do not automatically apply to all current and incoming businesses (within that industry).
2
Who's the developer? Did they submit an application?
Natelli Holdings is the developer, 1903 N. Harrison Ave, Suite 101, Cary, NC 27513. The contact assigned to the project is Thomas Natelli Jr. (301) 509-7401. Natelli headquarters are in Maryland. Natelli was the developer that proposed the data center development in Apex in 2025/2026.
Yes, Natelli submitted an application. They also submitted their own suggested edits to Vance County unified ordinances (UDOs). This project has been in the works since at least February 2026 (but records indicate longer). The current plan includes future expansions and buying the surrounding properties.
3
What are the current unified ordinances (UDOs) for data centers? What are the recently drafted updates to the UDOs?
The current unified ordinance (UDO) states almost nothing about data centers. Based on the push from Vance Voices, Vance County Commissioners have proposed a text amendment to add a section in the UDOs about data centers. The current draft is HERE (posted July 2026)
These UDOs are missing key requirements related to regulation. The current amendment would apply to current and future data centers and similar industries zoned as light industrial.
4
How can we stop the developer and the data center?
Email us at vancevoices@gmail.com with pictures and locations of critical and endangered plant and wildlife species.
Talk to the landowners and neighbors; advocate for them to talk to us about the alternative options they could do with their land that would generate long-term revenue and benefit the community.
Talk with and email our county commissioners and city council members. Advocate they talk with us to build protections and accountability into our UDOs.
With enough pushback from communities and with proper regulation, the people can fight for their community.
5
What can I do?
Continue to show up to county commissioner meetings on the first Mondays of every month at 6pm at 122 W. Young St, Henderson, NC.
Continue to attend the city council meetings on the second Mondays of every month at 6pm at 134 Rose Ave, Henderson, NC.
Continue to show up to Vance Voices events.
Continue to build relationships with local elected and appointed leadership and staff.