Media Coverage

This discussion takes a closer look at how large-scale data centers are affecting communities—from massive electricity demand to water consumption and infrastructure strain. As the race to build AI and cloud infrastructure accelerates, many communities are discovering that these facilities come with complex environmental and economic tradeoffs. The video highlights why residents across the country are asking tougher questions before approving new projects. 

An ABC11 investigation explores the rapid growth of data centers in the Triangle and across the country, raising questions about their impact on power grids, water resources, and nearby communities. As demand for AI and cloud computing explodes, these massive facilities are being built faster than many local regulations can keep up. The report highlights why communities are beginning to ask whether the benefits truly outweigh the long-term costs. 

 A new WRAL investigation highlights the growing concerns surrounding large-scale data centers in North Carolina, including their massive electricity demand, significant water use, and potential impacts on air quality. As more projects are proposed across the state, communities and local leaders are asking tougher questions about infrastructure strain, environmental consequences, and who ultimately bears the cost. The report underscores why many residents are pushing for transparency and stronger oversight before these projects move forward. 

Chatham County leaders have approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, giving the county time to study their potential impacts and consider stronger regulations. The pause reflects growing concerns about the massive electricity and water demands of hyperscale data centers and how they affect local infrastructure and communities. As development pressure grows across the Triangle, decisions like this show how local governments can take time to understand the full picture before moving forward.

Apex residents questioned a proposal for a 190-acre data center near Old US 1 and Shearon Harris Road, raising concerns about massive power and water demands, noise, and whether such a facility fits the area’s “light industrial” zoning. The developer, Natelli Holdings, said the project would serve a single unnamed company and promised efforts to mitigate noise from cooling systems and generators. Many neighbors remain unconvinced, arguing that the scale and impact of the project are not appropriate for a community so close to existing homes. 

About 100 residents attended a community meeting in New Hill to discuss a proposed 250-MW data center on nearly 200 acres along Shearon Harris Road. Neighbors raised concerns about environmental impacts, heavy water usage, light and sound pollution, and worsening traffic. Much of the meeting focused on noise, with residents questioning the developer’s assurances about self-imposed sound limits and emergency-only generator use. Despite the developer’s statements about the project fitting Apex’s “industrial development area,” many residents remain concerned about losing the rural character they’ve valued for decades. 

In her News & Observer op-ed, Lorraine McAvoy warns that Apex’s approval of a massive 300-megawatt data center near New Hill would permanently erase what makes western Wake County special. She argues the project is heavy industrial, not “light,” bringing years of noise, traffic, and environmental strain with little community benefit. McAvoy urges the Town Council to reject reckless growth and protect the region’s character before it’s too late. 

Holly Springs Update recently covered our October 26 community meeting, where over 100 residents gathered to learn more about the proposed 190-acre New Hill Digital Campus data center. The reporter highlighted concerns raised around transparency, utility use, environmental impact, and the overall scale of the project, which would require annexation and rezoning by the Town of Apex. The article emphasized that community participation will remain critical as the proposal moves toward Planning Board and Town Council review. 

ABC11 covered the Environmental Advisory Board’s decision to advance the proposed 190-acre Digital Campus data center near Jordan Pointe. Neighbors voiced frustration over the lack of transparency and called for responsible growth, citing concerns about noise, environmental impact, and infrastructure strain. The project now moves closer to Town Council review, with residents urging continued community involvement as the process unfolds. 

Residents in New Hill are uniting against a proposed 190-acre Apex Data Center, citing threats to air quality from diesel generators, heavy water and power use, and constant noise. Neighbors argue the project doesn’t belong in a residential area so close to schools and family neighborhoods. Opposition groups are calling for stronger protections, transparency, and smarter siting before such a large-scale industrial project moves forward. 

 A proposed 250-megawatt data center near New Hill is drawing strong opposition from nearby residents. Concerns include noise, diesel emissions, water consumption, and strain on local infrastructure. While some see potential economic benefits, many are urging Apex and Wake County leaders to reject the rezoning request. 

INDY Week reports on community meetings and opposition, detailing health and environmental worries, technical plans (generators, water use, rezoning), and developer response 

 This follow-up covers developer (Natelli Investments LLC) formally filing annexation and rezoning requests with Apex, community organizing, petition (nearly 2,000 signatures), and upcoming construction timeline (late 2026–early 2027).

 CBS17 highlights local residents’ opposition to the proposed data center, noting concerns about strain on the power grid and potential increases in energy costs. The developer defends the project, stating data centers are "modest users of public facilities" and bring high-wage jobs to the area. 

 The News & Observer story covers Natelli Investments’ application to Apex for the “New Hill Digital Campus,” outlining plans for backup generators, wastewater cooling, and the rising concerns of nearby residents