Plans for large-scale data centers, such as the 200-megawatt facility proposed for a 180-acre tract along Custer Avenue, are becoming increasingly common across the nation as the demand for artificial intelligence, digital storage and processing grows. However, the proposal in Fayetteville has prompted many local residents to seek more information on how such a project may affect their community.

"It is using chatGPT or keeping your data in the cloud. Data centers have become part of our lives and part of our economy. We all rely on the services that are rendered from them. And it's something that our state and our community are starting to take a lot of interest from." Said Robert Van Geons, FCEDC President

The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) hosted an informational meeting in response to the community's inquiries. According to FCEDC President Robert Van Geons, the meeting was organized to address questions raised by the public. Over 70 individuals registered to attend the session, which was led by data center expert and former Duke Energy employee John Geib. The discussion covered the technical definition of data centers as well as their potential environmental and financial impacts.

"We just feel it's important to have a conversation about them, how they can potentially benefit or negatively impact the community. We want our citizens being armed with information." Said Van Geons

Data centers are facilities used primarily for communication and computing technology. They require significant infrastructure to operate, most notably high levels of electricity and water for cooling purposes. These requirements remain a primary point of concern for residents who expressed opposition to the project based on its potential strain on local infrastructure and the possibility of increased utility bills.

"If they are using the water systems they should pay for it. It shouldn't be on tax payers. And so I'm really concerned not only the strain on the water usage, but also what it's going to be doing to people in their utility bills." Said Fayetteville Resident Angela Tatum

While elected officials have focused on the potential for economic development and job growth associated with the center, critics suggest those employment opportunities may be temporary.

"The community is brought into it, is they always want to say, oh, the jobs. And, you know, the level of income has come with the job. But what people realize, a lot of that is kind of on the front end with a building of the data center, but once that's done, it doesn't stay that way. And so it's like you're bringing community up with the income, if that's actually what it, you know, turns up to be." Tatum said