'Biggest mess Rural Hall has ever seen' | Residents voice concerns about data center at town hall meeting

More than 100 residents of Rural Hall, North Carolina, gathered at a town hall meeting on Wednesday night to express strong opposition to a proposed AI data center. The facility, which would comprise four buildings on 128 acres, is planned for a site directly across from Town Hall in the heart of the Forsyth County community. Speakers voiced a range of concerns, including potential construction traffic disruption, noise from the facility, and environmental impacts. One resident emphasized the desire to hear only natural sounds in her garden, while others highlighted worries about health and the earth. There were also questions about why the data center couldn't be located in a more remote area. Several attendees raised the possibility that the proposed site might contain Native American artifacts or burial grounds, urging for its preservation if such significance is found. A representative for the data center company present at the meeting attempted to allay fears, stating the facility would generate less noise than a typical residential subdivision and require minimal staffing, thus not increasing demand for housing or schools. Residents were encouraged to channel their opposition effectively and professionally to the appropriate decision-makers regarding the project's zoning. A final decision on the data center proposal is not expected for several months.