Hallam residents question Monolith data center proposal at packed town hall

Lincoln-based Monolith hosted a crowded town hall in Hallam, Nebraska, to garner community support for a proposed 10-acre data center. The meeting, which was delayed due to an attendance of over 200 residents, addressed the plan to co-locate the facility on Monolith's existing property, which would generate 35 megawatts and create 15 jobs. Monolith's partner, Crusoe, was noted for its modular, closed-loop cooling systems, with preliminary water use figures estimated at 770,000 gallons or less annually.

Hallam residents, however, expressed significant skepticism and concern. Many questioned the water use projections and worried about the impact on private wells, as well as potential noise and light pollution. Some attendees, including resident Mike Summers, vocalized a distrust of government entities following previous development activities, such as a nearby solar farm. Others highlighted existing issues with noise, traffic, and bright lights in the community and questioned the safety of living near the plant.

For the data center project to proceed, Monolith requires a zoning change approved by the Hallam Planning Commission and Village Board. Residents are particularly concerned that this amendment could inadvertently open agricultural land to further industrial development. Monolith representatives stated the proposed amendment would only permit co-located data centers at existing industrial facilities within the I-2 Heavy Industrial District, not on agricultural land, and indicated a willingness to consider a special use permit instead. The company plans another town hall next month and hopes for the zoning amendment's adoption by the Hallam Village Board by September 7.