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Residents and advocates urge county to pause proposed AI/data-center advisory group, cite water, health and equity concerns
Summary
Public commenters at the March 2 meeting urged the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners to halt plans for a proposed AI/data-center advisory group, arguing existing advisory bodies and community forums should be used and raising concerns about jobs, water use, air quality and local control.
Several residents and community leaders used the public-comment period at the March 2 Edgecombe County commissioners meeting to urge caution about data-center development and a proposed AI/data-center advisory group.
Marquita Dickens, CEO and co-founder of Freedom Org and chair of the county's Safe and Affordable Housing Committee, asked the board to "pause and consider whether another advisory board is necessary, particularly where there are already active advisory boards that can review this issue." Dickens recommended public community forums to gather qualitative input to complement existing surveys and offered Freedom Org's continuing partnership on local food-system investments.
James Ren, vice president of the Phoenix Historical Society and a member of Edgecombe Neighbors for Data Center Accountability, said the group is organizing in opposition to what it views as a threat from data centers and invited commissioners to a historical-marker unveiling and further discussions. Joanna Ruer, a graduate student and area shopper, cited survey results she said showed 82% opposition to the advisory board and raised localized concerns about water use, drought and potential health impacts raised elsewhere.
Speakers asked whether data centers would deliver meaningful local jobs and whether proposals would align with long-term county goals. "There are no real jobs in these data centers," said a public commenter summarizing an organizer's view; commenters also raised concerns about water consumption, local drought conditions and air-quality effects.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and said the county has not made a final determination. Staff and the chair invited community members to participate in standing committees and a proposed environment committee and encouraged continued input via Mr. Evans. Several commissioners emphasized the board's interest in "safe, sustainable, suitable" development that aligns with resident priorities.
Next steps: The board did not vote on the advisory-group proposal at the meeting. Commissioners encouraged public engagement and said the proposed committee recommendations and any staff proposals would guide future decisions.
