Energy Burden & Infrastructure Strain

• Massive Power Demand: Hyperscale data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity, often requiring dedicated substations and grid upgrades. This can strain local infrastructure and raise utility costs for residents.

• Ratepayer Impact: Increased energy demand may lead to higher rates for nearby communities, disproportionately affecting low-income households already facing energy insecurity.

• Carbon Footprint: Unless powered by renewables, these facilities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, undermining local and national climate goals.

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Environmental Impacts

• Air Pollution: Backup diesel generators and increased traffic during construction and operation can degrade air quality, especially in areas already burdened by industrial pollution.

• Water Consumption: Data centers require vast amounts of water for cooling, potentially stressing local water supplies and ecosystems.

• Habitat Destruction: The proposed site spans ~700 acres of wooded land, threatening imperiled and endangered species and disrupting natural habitats.

• Noise Pollution: Residents have raised concerns about persistent noise from construction and operations, which can affect health and quality of life.

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Social & Community Concerns

• Environmental Justice: The project is sited in a predominantly rural, working-class area, raising concerns about disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations.

• Transparency Issues: Key city officials signed non-disclosure agreements, and the developer—Logistic Land Investments LLC—has provided limited public information, fueling mistrust.

• Limited Local Benefit: Promises of high-paying jobs remain vague, and data centers typically offer few permanent positions post-construction.

• Community Opposition: Residents have packed city council meetings, dressed in red to protest the project, citing lack of public input and misleading promotional materials.

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Legal & Planning Challenges

• Rezoning Controversy: The shift from agricultural to industrial zoning has met legal resistance, including lawsuits over improper public notice.

• Planning Delays: The city council recently voted to send the proposal back to the planning commission, delaying final approval amid mounting opposition.