Microsoft holds community meeting on planned Person County data center

Microsoft recently hosted a community meeting in Woodsdale Township, Person County, North Carolina, to engage with residents regarding its proposed "Microsoft Mega Park" data center. The meeting aimed to address local concerns amidst growing statewide opposition to data center developments.

Neighbors and local leaders, including Roxboro City Councilor Kendra Coggins, raised significant concerns about the project's potential impact. Key issues included energy and water consumption, noise pollution, and a perceived lack of transparency from the company. Ms. Coggins specifically voiced worries about the facility's water demands on the city of Roxboro. Janna Kisner, a Person County resident, noted the community's eagerness for information due to its scarcity over the past year.

In response, a Microsoft spokesperson expressed gratitude for the engagement opportunities and reiterated the company's commitment to adding value. Microsoft has previously stated intentions to cover its own electricity costs to prevent price increases, invest in local IT training and nonprofits, and utilize water-reducing technologies. However, Olive Burress of the Sierra Club of NC expressed skepticism, noting these commitments are currently voluntary.

This community outreach comes as a recent Elon University poll indicated low support for data center construction among North Carolinians, and several other counties in central North Carolina have enacted moratoriums on data center development due to the surge in demand for electricity and water driven by AI and cloud computing infrastructure. Microsoft acquired the 1,385-acre mega site for $28.85 million in 2024.