Metro Council approves Gateway legal fees

Atmos contract, quarry zoning, data center moratorium, MUD grant discussed

10:07 p.m. March 16, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

The Metro Council on Monday night approved a $5,500 budget amendment for legal fees already incurred in ongoing Gateway litigation, advanced a proposed two-year moratorium on new data center proposals, and discussed zoning options for a planned rock quarry on Highway 50.

Gateway Litigation Funding Approved

The budget amendment for attorney fees tied to the Gateway project passed unanimously by roll-call vote. During the discussion, District 2 Council member Robert Bracewell asked whether the amendment covered only costs already incurred or also future legal expenses. Mayor Sloan Stewart said the amendment covered costs already incurred and did not include any future litigation expenses.

Peggy Sue Blackburn, Arvis Bobo, Bracewell, Douglas Carson, Amy Cashion, Bradley Dye, Dexter Golden, Greg Guinn, Jimmy Hammond, Sunny Rae Moorehead, and Shane Taylor voted in favor.

Gerald Burnett, Marty Cashion, Houston Lindsey, and John Taylor were absent.

Atmos Agreement Moves Forward

The council also approved the first reading of an Atmos Energy franchise agreement. Council members were told the agreement is unchanged from the current franchise agreement.

The measure will go to a public hearing at 6:15 p.m. before next month’s meeting on April 20.

Council Advances Data Center Moratorium

Council members also unanimously approved the first reading of a proposed two-year moratorium on new data center proposals while county officials study infrastructure and planning issues. Council members questioned whether two years would be enough if major utility or water-system improvements are needed. County Attorney Reid Rieder said the moratorium could be renewed if more time is needed.

The moratorium will also go to a public hearing before the April meeting.

Quarry Proposal Sparks Zoning Discussion

A lengthy discussion followed on Lynchburg Stone LLC’s proposed quarry on Highway 50. District 3 Council member Dexter Golden noted the issue is not whether a quarry is allowed under county regulations, but whether the property should be rezoned industrial or remain agricultural through a special exception.

Golden said keeping the property agricultural would help ensure the site reverts to that use if quarry operations ever cease. Council discussion suggested support for keeping the property agricultural while allowing quarry operations through a special exception, similar to the county’s earlier approach with the solar farm.

Blasting, Truck Traffic, Property Concerns Raised

Council members also raised questions about dust, blasting, truck traffic, and possible damage to nearby homes. Engineer Nathan Tomberlin said the closest residence is roughly 1,500 to 2,000 feet away, with trees and natural screening between the site and neighboring properties.

The developer, Scott Fruehauf, said insurance, bond coverage, and blasting subcontractor coverage would be in place, and that neighbors would be given direct contact information for the insurance carrier if they need to file a claim.

Questions were also raised about possible road wear from truck traffic. Council members were told most truck traffic would use state highways, with county roads used mainly for direct local deliveries.

No formal vote was taken on the quarry Monday night, but council discussion suggested support for keeping the property agricultural rather than rezoning it for industrial use. Golden said the matter would return through the planning process before coming back to the council.

MUD Grant Item Added to Agenda

In other business, the council added an item to the agenda for Monday night, authorizing the utility department to apply for a grant for water line upgrades.

The ordinance allowed the department to seek the grant but did not appropriate funds.

Lower Speed on Polecat Hollow Road

Prior to the Metro council meeting, the Moore County Highway Advisory Board voted unanimously to lower the speed limit on Polecat Hollow Road from 45 mph to 30 mph. Bradley Dye made the motion, Greg Guinn seconded it, and Douglas Carson and Shane Taylor also voted in favor. Highway Department Superintendent Shannon Cauble also was in agreement.

Taylor later presented the recommendation to the Metro Council, which approved the change unanimously.

• Also: Council OKs formal letter demanding solar farm compliance