Residents of Rural Hall gathered to discuss a proposed 129-acre data center, with many expressing concerns and opposition ahead of a final rezoning vote scheduled for July 30.
RURAL HALL, N.C. —
Community members in Rural Hall gathered at the fellowship hall of Rural Hall Moravian Church to discuss a proposed 129-acre data center that could be built in their area.
The meeting encouraged open dialogue, whether attendees were for, against, or undecided about the project. Many residents brought questions and concerns, while others left with answers.
"When you don't know anything about a data center, and you need to find out the good, the bad, and the ugly, this was a perfect place for it," one attendee said.
Communities across the country are debating the impact of data centers, and Rural Hall is no exception. Despite local leaders giving initial approval to the proposed hyperscale data center, the project has faced significant pushback.
"We are working to know and understand the potential of what the impact [would be] if the data center comes, but more importantly, our group has been working to prevent the data center," one resident said.
"So far, I have not heard any positives for why this would be good for Rural Hall," another attendee added.
The group, No Data Center Rural Hall, said they have been compiling information weekly since April to understand how the project could affect their community.
"On this issue, we are united predominantly that we do not want a data center in our community. We're comfortable with them being in an industrial area as needed," a group member said.
Earlier Tuesday, New York became the first U.S. state to impose a ban on AI data centers using 50 megawatts or more. Several people at the meeting expressed support for similar measures.
"Many of us in the group also feel that there should be moratoriums, [and] there should be better understanding," one attendee said.
With the decision now in the hands of the commissioners, several residents have recommended denying the project based on development plans.
"Data centers somewhere, but not here, not here," one person said.
The group said they will work over the next few days to ensure all questions from the meeting are answered. A public hearing for a final rezoning vote on the data center is scheduled for July 30.
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