Bald Knob data center plans parked after concerns expressed about 'water infrastructure,' 'potential noise'
Plans for a data center in Bald Knob, Arkansas, have been dropped after community concerns were raised regarding water infrastructure and potential noise. Former Mayor Barth Grayson, who intended to sell land for the project, stated he requested the potential buyers terminate their purchase agreement due to public opposition.
Plans to develop a data center in Bald Knob, Arkansas, have been shelved following significant community pushback. Former Mayor Barth Grayson, who is currently running for mayor, had intended to sell three acres of his industrial property for the project, which he described as the "smallest state-of-the-art data center." However, due to expressed concerns from residents and before a public meeting could be scheduled with the Bald Knob Planning Commission, Grayson requested that the potential buyers terminate their option to purchase agreement, a decision he claims cost him nearly $200,000.
Jones and Wood Property Management, the potential developers, confirmed in a letter that they would not proceed with the purchase. Their decision was based on concerns articulated by Grayson regarding the town's water infrastructure and the potential noise generated by the data center. The company stated their commitment to supporting community needs and expressed interest in bringing a data center or digital-asset mining operation to Bald Knob in the future if these concerns can be addressed. They also requested the first opportunity to discuss any future similar projects in the city.