SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — Hundreds packed a public hearing Thursday to voice opposition to a proposed air permit for NorthMark Strategies’ data center under construction on South Pine Street.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services held the hearing to hear public comments and concerns, as the agency is reviewing the company’s permit application.

In April 2025, NorthMark Strategies announced a $2.8 billion operation to convert the former Kohler manufacturing plant into a high-performance computing center.