The Tarboro Town Council voted on Monday evening to deny the application for a proposed 50-acre data center.
At the town hall meeting, more residents filled the room than the seats could hold. Developers say the data center would create 500 jobs and generate millions in tax revenue, but neighbors shared concerns about its proximity to homes and its impact on the environment.
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“I am here trying to talk about incredibly complex issues that are going to affect the legitimacy and viability and economic feasibility of this project, quite frankly,” one resident said at Monday's town hall meeting.
“I do not think the incentives to bring this center to the Tarboro area is a good move because of the water consumption,” said life-long resident Vinson Bridgers.
Multiple people shared concerns about the air quality, the noise and its potential demand on the water system.
As of Monday evening, more than 700 people had signed a Change.org petition against it.
Dan Shaffer, president of Energy Storage Solutions LLC, defended the project.
“We're very conscious of the environment ourselves, having been solar developers,” he said.
Mayor Tate Mayo told WRAL News on Tuesday that the council heard evidence from all parties in the matter and voted 7-1 to deny the application.
This battle isn’t unique to Edgecombe County. Some people in Wake County are also resisting a proposal to erect a data center near Apex.