Data center debate continues in Vance County over proposed project

At a recent town hall meeting in Vance County, North Carolina, residents voiced significant concerns about a proposed 40-acre data center project by Nutelli Investments, planned for a site near US 158 and Henderson. Many attendees expressed feelings of not being heard by their local government and called for at least a one-year suspension of the project to allow for comprehensive studies on its potential impacts. The primary concerns echoed by residents included increased noise, potential strain on the local water supply, and rising energy bills. This pushback aligns with similar sentiments observed in communities across the state regarding data center developments. The report drew a comparison to Loudoun County, Virginia, known as the "data center capital of the world," where Vice Chair Supervisor Mike Turner acknowledged noise as the number one complaint related to data centers. While proponents in Loudoun County highlight benefits like lower property taxes and economic growth, Vance County residents, particularly those living near the proposed site and an animal shelter, are determined to sway county leaders. Reporter Bailey Stamos noted that Nutelli Investments, also involved in a project in Apex, had not responded to requests for comment.