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Proponents say data center will bring tax revenue and jobs; supporters urge civility
Summary
Several speakers, including longtime residents and local clergy, told the council the proposed data center could bring tax revenue and community benefits; supporters asked opponents to remain civil and pointed to other towns' experiences with data centers.
A smaller but vocal set of speakers told the council a hyperscale data center could boost the local tax base, help schools and public safety, and support broader economic development. Joel Rice thanked the council for reversing to support the project and said the contractor had agreed to meet or exceed state standards for water, power and noise.
"The tax benefits would be a tremendous boost to the towns and counties economical growth," Joel Rice said, arguing the site would not be as noisy as a nearby train and that a contractor commitment to state standards should assuage concerns. Bishop Albert Saunders and business owners said they welcomed the opportunity and offered to work with the developer to address water and air-quality issues. Mitchell Church, who worships and shops in Rural Hall but lives outside town limits, praised the Surber family and cited the town's provision of a 17-acre park in the council's revised plan as a community benefit.
Council members who support the resolution emphasized that many data-center examples have been absorbed by host communities and argued that utility and permitting issues are under county and utility review. Supporters urged opponents to attend the Forsyth County meeting and to present technical concerns to county staff and commissioners.
