Jordan Pointe neighborhood on edge as plans to allow data center clears initial hurdle

APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- A proposal to bring a data center to Apex has some Jordan Pointe neighbors on edge.

Thursday night, the town's Environmental Advisory Board greenlit a rezoning recommendation proposal for the plan.

Michelle Hoffner O'Connor lives in the Jordan Pointe neighborhood and was at the EAB meeting on Thursday.

"The whole thing was a surprise last night," she said.

The proposal from Natelli Investments would bring a data center on a 190-acre parcel of land near Old US Highway 1.

The EAB criticized parts of the developer's plans during the hearing Thursday night.

"There is wildlife that is valued by the community, also. So you might want to take a look at that," said one EAB board member.

The main criticism from board members centered on noise concerns from the proposed site.

It's something neighbors are concerned about, too.

Yvonne Brubacher, who also lives in Jordan Pointe, says she and her neighbors are also worried about potential environmental pollution, plus possible strains on the power grid.

"We don't need a data center here, we need services. We don't have a grocery store; we don't have a gas station. We don't have so much as a fast-food restaurant," she said. "We're already strained and they want to put additional strain on it."

ABC11 News reached out to the Town of Apex about the neighbor's concerns.

Although a spokesperson for the town did not directly address concerns from the community, they did explain it may not be until at least March before a public hearing is held on this.

A town spokesperson went on to say that the role of the EAB is to make recommendations on zoning conditions that the applicant should add, and said they do not make a recommendation on the rezoning itself.

A spokesperson for Natelli Investments sent the following statement:

"Natelli Investments, an experienced third-generation, family-owned business, is excited for the proposed New Hill Digital Campus that will be located on 190 acres designated for industrial projects in southwestern Wake County. The secure facility will support cloud computing, AI operations, and other digital infrastructure for the region, and it aligns with the community's long-term growth vision and brings more than $1 billion in economic activity. We are committed to open communication and community engagement, and look forward to conversations and dialogue as the process moves forward."

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Neighbors say they just want decisions to be made responsibly and with the input of residents who the project could impact.

"Here we want responsible growth," said Hoffner O'Connor. "Of course, we don't want this here at all, but if it's going to end up here, it has to be in a much more responsible manner than they're going about it right now."

Neighbors say they will continue voicing their concerns to town leaders, including at the next town council meeting on October 28.