Media Coverage

The developer-led meeting in New Hill drew more than 100 residents who packed the community center to question the proposed 300-MW data center and its wide-ranging impacts. While the evening was framed as a discussion on noise, residents pressed for missing details on sound limits, low-frequency hum, verification after construction, and the lack of a finalized Apex noise ordinance. Concerns quickly expanded to water usage, air quality, wildlife impacts, power demand, rate increases, traffic, lighting, and whether a hyperscale data center fits Apex’s “light industrial” zoning. Many residents expressed deep distrust in the process, citing incomplete answers, missing data, and prior planning disputes. The developer left with a long list of unanswered questions and plans to return with more information, while residents made clear they’ll be back, too. 

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