"Protect our community": Eatonville residents push back on 100,000-square-foot data center
Eatonville residents are expressing concerns about a new 100,000-square-foot HostDime data center's impact on local power, water, and noise levels. The town council opted to address these community concerns and organize informational meetings without passing a formal resolution. The data center is expected to open this summer.
Eatonville, Florida residents have voiced strong concerns regarding the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot data center by HostDime on Wymore Road. The primary worries revolve around the facility's potential impact on the community's power and water supply, increased noise levels, and a possible rise in utility bills. Residents have actively questioned these aspects throughout the development process.
In response to the public outcry, the Eatonville Town Council convened to discuss the matter. While the council chose not to adopt a formal resolution at this time, they committed to gathering answers to residents' questions and organizing informational meetings to keep the community informed. A speaker at the meeting emphasized the council's intention to implement measures to safeguard the community's interests.
This local controversy mirrors similar challenges faced by other communities nationwide concerning data center developments. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation in May, prohibiting utility companies from passing data center-related costs onto residential and business customers, highlighting a broader state-level awareness of these issues. The HostDime data center in Eatonville is slated to open in the summer.