Richmond County residents request respite from data center development
Richmond County residents strongly urged the Board of Commissioners to enact a moratorium on new data center developments, citing concerns about environmental impacts, lack of transparency, and quality of life. Speakers highlighted issues such as noise, air and water pollution, and electromagnetic frequencies, particularly in light of an ongoing Amazon data center project and a recent land purchase by Digital Realty. While one speaker defended the economic benefits, the majority pressed for an immediate pause on further development.
Residents of Richmond County, North Carolina, recently packed a Board of Commissioners meeting in Rockingham to vocalize their strong opposition to further data center development in the area. Key speakers, including November Coffey and Suzzette Baker, called for an immediate 12-month moratorium on new data centers, excluding an Amazon project already under construction. Ms. Coffey highlighted the opportunity for the county to assess the existing Amazon facility before allowing more, while Ms. Baker, representing a coalition of concerned residents, criticized a lack of transparency due to non-disclosure agreements and pointed to a recent land purchase by Digital Realty for a data center.
Concerns raised by residents spanned environmental impacts, health, and economic transparency. Russ Fincham alleged impropriety in the incentive package for the Amazon project, originally known as "Blue Marlin," claiming public hearing cancellation prevented comment. Sarina Perry focused on the detrimental effects of noise, air, light, and water pollution on special needs children, citing noise levels up to 90 decibels and electromagnetic frequencies impacting honeybees.
While the majority spoke against development, local business owner Derek Howell supported the commissioners' past decisions, acknowledging the county's need for economic growth after the decline of the textile industry. He did, however, question whether commissioners fully understood Amazon's intentions initially. The Board, which extended speaking times due to the large turnout, did not provide immediate answers to the public's questions, adhering to typical policy. The Richmond Observer plans to publish the commissioners' response in a future story.