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Residents voice opposition to proposed data center and demand ARPA spending transparency
Summary
Multiple residents urged the City Council to scrutinize proposed data center projects over water, power, wildlife and health concerns and asked for a detailed accounting of ARPA and downtown incentive funds; city staff promised to provide an itemized ARPA spending list.
Residents used the public‑comment period at the Rocky Mount City Council meeting to press the council on two related issues: proposed data center development and municipal financial transparency.
Reginald Bynum thanked city crews and public safety staff, then warned councilors about the scale of data center proposals and urged the city to weigh long‑term sustainability. "Growth should never come at the expense of health and stability of this community," he said, asking council to consider impacts on water, power and infrastructure.
Tasha Aldridge pressed for a line‑by‑line accounting of ARPA funds and the Downtown Major Investment Incentive Program (DMIP). She said the city received $11.5 million in ARPA funds and that restricted cash fell to roughly $360,000 by the end of FY2023 and about $160,000 by the end of FY2024; she asked where grant funds were spent and the status of expired grants. "I'm asking for some transparency in where these funds, down to the dollar, were spent," Aldridge said.
Rolanda Williams described environmental and wildlife concerns, citing examples from other jurisdictions and noting two active bald eagle nesting sites in nearby counties. She referenced investigations and claims in other states and cited the "Eagle and Protection Act" when warning councilors about legal penalties should wildlife be harmed.
Mary Berry and Frankie Black said public participation has declined because residents feel unheard and urged the council to be more responsive. Earl Jones, who identified himself from Ward 6, reiterated fiscal worries and asked the council to prioritize basic repairs and cash management.
City response: City Manager Elton Daniel and finance staff (Cheryl) acknowledged the requests and said staff will provide a list showing how ARPA funds were spent and clarify the status of grants. Daniel emphasized that some grants had deadlines and timing issues that required moving funds into multi‑year project accounts to preserve commitments.
Claims and status: Citizens alleged potential misuse of funds, environmental and public‑health risks tied to data centers, and a lack of transparency. Council and staff agreed to provide follow‑up documentation; the transcript records staff promises but not any completed independent verification.
