Lumberton Residents Say They Don’t Want a Data Center
Lumberton residents are organizing against a potential data center at the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park, citing concerns about water use, pollution, electricity rates and quality of life. The City Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance regulating data center locations, noise, construction and water efficiency, while residents are also calling for a moratorium.
Lumberton officials are negotiating with a developer over Project Alps, a proposed data center at the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park that could represent $800 million to $1 billion in investment, create 20 to 30 permanent jobs and generate millions of dollars in annual tax and electricity revenue. City Manager Wayne Horne said the project would use up to 50 megawatts of power and about 50,000 gallons of water per day, while city officials are considering a closed-loop cooling system and limits allowing only one data center in the industrial park.
Residents at a community meeting organized by local civic and environmental groups expressed strong opposition, raising concerns about water availability and pollution, electricity costs, noise and long-term health impacts. The proposed ordinance, which was approved by the Planning Board, would regulate siting, building standards, noise and water-efficient technology; the City Council was scheduled to vote on it Monday. Rev. Mac Legerton also urged the city to adopt a moratorium and require a community-benefits agreement before proceeding.