Protesters urge city to halt east Charlotte data center proposal
Protesters in east Charlotte are urging city leaders to halt a proposed 40,000 square foot data center by American Tower near Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. They express concerns about noise pollution, excessive water use, and increased utility prices. A news conference was held prior to a city council meeting to pressure officials to stop the project.
Residents in east Charlotte are actively opposing a proposed data center development by American Tower, calling on city leaders to halt the project. The groups organized a news conference outside the government center in uptown Charlotte, preceding a city council meeting where they aimed to pressure officials.
The proposed 40,000 square-foot data center is intended to support the growing demand for data and artificial intelligence, and is planned for a location near the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. While the developer asserts the facility would be smaller than comparable centers and consume less electricity and water, local protesters remain concerned about its impact.
Opponents specifically raised issues regarding potential noise pollution, the risk of "mental damage" to residents, excessive water usage, and the possibility of rising utility prices, arguing these would impose significant burdens on the community if the project were to proceed.