Hundreds of upset residents attend Rural Hall community meeting on data center proposal

More than 100 frustrated residents packed the Rural Hall Town Hall in Forsyth County, N.C., to voice strong opposition against a proposed AI data center. The project, expected to span 128 acres along Glade Street and Bethania-Rural Hall Road, is being administered by development firm Drox Group LLC and overseen by project management firm Montrose LLC. Residents, including Ronda Mayes and Reverend Andrew Craver, raised concerns about increased traffic, noise from generators and construction, pollution, environmental hazards, and the potential for higher utility costs, urging developers to seek alternative industrial locations away from residential areas. Mayor Terry Bennett acknowledged the significant criticism from the community, assuring residents that their concerns were being heard. Project developers defended the site choice based on the availability of necessary power and water lines. The proposed facility is projected to generate $30 million to $60 million in annual property tax revenue and a $3 billion capital investment, which would be the largest in Forsyth County history. However, the development faces hurdles as project managers from Montrose LLC confirmed the original plan requires revisions after the discovery of two streams on the site. This has delayed the presentation to the planning board, with a public hearing now scheduled for May 14, after which a recommendation will be forwarded to the County Commissioners. A final decision on the data center proposal is anticipated to be months away.