“Get out of Rural Hall”

The town of Rural Hall, North Carolina, is at the center of a heated debate over a proposed 129-acre data center, dubbed "Project Iron Spur." On April 1, approximately 120 residents filled the Rural Hall Town Hall to capacity to voice strong opposition against the rezoning proposal that would allow Charlotte-based Drox Group, in collaboration with Montrose and Thomas & Hutton, to construct four large buildings near the Town Hall. Residents, including 96-year-old Bert Watkins and local pastor Andrew Kraber, expressed deep concerns about the project's potential impact on power bills, water resources, and the peaceful, natural environment of their small town, often referred to as the "Garden Spot of the World." Speakers delivered passionate speeches, mimicked data center hums, and called for the project to be rejected, with many wearing red shirts to symbolize their unified stance. Local activist Carol Newsome challenged the developer's tax revenue estimates and job creation claims, advocating for community-led steering committees. Montrose representative Michael Fess attempted to address community concerns, highlighting the site's proximity to existing industrial areas and a Duke Energy substation, and promising millions in tax revenue. He assured residents that plans could be revised and invited them to apply for a steering committee, but his efforts were met with skepticism. Rural Hall Mayor Terry Bennett acknowledged his personal opposition to the data center as a resident but stressed the need to listen to all community perspectives. The intense community backlash has potentially delayed Forsyth County's review of Drox’s final site proposal, which was initially scheduled for May 14. Organizers like Jax Velazquez and Jose Saucedo are working to maintain resident engagement and seek clarity on the proposal timeline, emphasizing the power of community numbers in ongoing resistance efforts.