Proposed data center in Rural Hall draws concern from nearby residents

Residents in Rural Hall, North Carolina, are expressing significant concern over a proposed data center development slated for approximately 130 acres of land. The project, spearheaded by a Charlotte-based developer, requires a rezoning of the property and is expected to be reviewed by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County planning board and commissioners. Community members, like Eve Vernon and Carol Newsome, have voiced worries regarding the potential environmental consequences, the facility's energy demands and their impact on local electricity bills, and the overall disruption to the community's established rural character. Concerns about noise and light pollution are also prominent, with residents questioning whether the project will bring economic benefits or become a burden. Rural Hall Mayor Terry Bennett acknowledged the public interest and stated that town leadership is committed to staying informed and ensuring resident concerns are heard. However, he clarified that the town itself does not have direct zoning authority over the site, as it lies outside municipal limits. A public Town Hall meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2026, to gather resident feedback on the data center proposal.