Resident urges Roswell to block hyperscale AI data centers without public review and resource assurances

Sarah McArthur raised alarms during public comment that county and regional economic development offices are privately pursuing industrial revenue bonds and tax‑advantaged incentives for large industrial projects, "including hyperscale AI data centers," without adequate public notice.

McArthur told the council that local water, electrical capacity and the ability of residents to absorb higher utility rates are limited and that the community should not accept projects that could shift long‑term costs onto local taxpayers. "Transparency is not optional," she said, urging the city and county to require companies to demonstrate they will not raise utility rates, consume irreplaceable water or degrade quality of life before any incentives are approved.

A councilor asked whether the city has seen formal proposals; McArthur said no applications had been filed with the council but that she had seen e‑mail exchanges among regional economic actors and was offering to provide documentation. The mayor and council noted that much of the land likely to host such projects lies in county jurisdiction, and city staff said the city’s water basin is adjudicated and any water use would have to be purchased or otherwise secured by developers.

Why it matters: hyperscale data centers can demand large, steady supplies of power and water and are often eligible for state or local incentives; the transcript records a resident urging preemptive local safeguards so costs and resource demands do not fall on existing residents.

What comes next: McArthur said she will provide additional written material to the council. Councilors indicated they will remain attentive to county and regional developments and requested that residents bring details to the mayor and city manager for follow up.

Sources: Public comment at Roswell City Council meeting, April 9 (Sarah McArthur).