The Fayetteville City Council voted this week to pause consideration of a data center ordinance, opting instead to gather more information before moving forward. The decision comes as data center projects draw increasing scrutiny statewide, with some communities approving temporary moratoriums, such as Apex in Wake County.
In Fayetteville, the proposed data center would span 50 acres along Dunn Road and cost $6.4 billion. The scale of the project has prompted mixed reactions among residents.
"I wouldn't say it's a catastrophe or anything like that, but I would say it's important to understand the impact," said Patrick Gual.
The issue has quickly become a focal point of local discussion. Some residents and business owners support the potential economic benefits, while others worry about environmental and infrastructure impacts.
"Actually, don't have a problem with data centers as long as there are appropriate guardrails in place, as long as things are planned ahead appropriately," said Fernando Duque.
Others are firmly opposed. Fayetteville native Audrea Elliott voiced concerns about land use and resource strain.
"I'm against it. If they want to put it out in the rural areas, then that's going to take away from the farmland," Elliott said.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said he supports the concept of data centers, but emphasized the need for careful planning and safeguards.
"I believe that technology is here and that you have to have a community that is forward thinking, but responsible. So there's a way to take advantage of that," Colvin said.
On Monday, the City Council formally voted to pause the ordinance and seek additional details about the proposal, including its environmental and infrastructure impacts.
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"If the environmental concerns are addressed, if the location is addressed, if there are rules in place, then you have to make a good case to me as to why you can't bring jobs and investment into a community that needs it," Colvin added.
Among the concerns raised by residents are potential water shortages and rising energy costs.
"It'll probably raise TWC prices if the community has to pay for it," Elliott said.
Duque acknowledged infrastructure challenges but suggested they point to broader issues.
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"They're right that the grid probably cannot sustain the load, but then I would argue that that's another problem that should have been remedied a while back. Why haven't we improved our grid?" he said.
Gual, who has four decades of experience in the tech industry, said establishing clear policies should come first.
"I'm all for AI, but we need guardrails because all their risk, they're also rewards. And you want to capture both," he said.
Colvin said he plans to recommend a 90-day period to gather more information before the city makes any major decisions on the proposed development.