As technology advances and evolves, data centers are popping up around the country to house and manage computer systems and servers.
A Wake County community could be the next home for a new, 250-megawatt data facility, but several residents in New Hill are pushing back.
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Dozens of Jordan Pointe residents gathered at a neighborhood cabana Thursday night to share their concerns about the data center.
“It’s a concern because there are so many residential areas growing around here,” said Melissa Ripper, who lives near where the proposed data center would be.
According to information presented by a Fox Rothschild representative, the data center would be built on 189 acres on Shearon Harris Road, not far from Duke Energy’s Harris Nuclear Plant.
The project would include six 70-foot buildings and about 80 3-megawatt generators. As for cooling, the plant would use water from treated wastewater, and the data center would draw power from Duke Energy’s power grid.
For residents at Jordan Pointe, they want to know who will end up paying for the center.
“When they make infrastructure improvements, who does that cost go to? It doesn’t go to the developer,” said Lorraine McAvoy, a New Hill resident. “It goes to the people, the consumers of the utility.”
Neighbors also told WRAL News they’re worried about the amount of water that may be used, and the possible health effects from diesel fumes.
“I’ve been debating which room in our house is best for our nursery, and now, it’s like no room, because of light and noise pollution,” said Michelle Hoffner O’Connor, a Jordan Pointe resident.
WRAL News spoke with a neighbor who said they are in favor of the facility being built. The person, who asked to remain anonymous, said their research defeats a lot of the claims and concerns brought by others.
The group said they plan to bring their concerns to the Apex Town Council and possibly leaders in Wake County. The group added that it can prevent rezoning approval, which is needed before the project can move forward.