Conway residents give feedback on proposed data center, call for project halt

Conway, Arkansas residents expressed significant apprehension regarding a proposed data center project during a recent public committee meeting involving the city council and mayor. Concerns centered on a perceived lack of transparency from city officials, with residents like Leia Morshedi, representing the Conway First Advisory Group, questioning environmental reports and the identity of the developing company. Residents also voiced fears over potential environmental impacts, including light and noise pollution, and the prospect of increased utility rates due to the data center's energy consumption, possibly from gas turbines. Jeremy Rice, whose home is near the proposed site, highlighted worries about noise from backup generators exceeding local ordinances. Beau Turner echoed calls for greater transparency and prompt answers to community questions, advocating for the city to fulfill Freedom of Information Act requests. Citizens are collectively demanding a halt to the project, with Morshedi suggesting a moratorium on development until more information is provided and understood by the public. Mayor Bart Castleberry acknowledged the public input and encouraged continued engagement.