**Proposal for Data Center in Apex Raises Concerns Among Jordan Pointe Neighbors**
APEX, N.C. (WTVD) — A proposal to bring a data center to Apex has some Jordan Pointe neighbors on edge. On Thursday night, the town’s Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) greenlit a rezoning recommendation proposal for the plan, sparking concerns among local residents.
Michelle Hoffner O’Connor, a resident of the Jordan Pointe neighborhood, attended the EAB meeting and expressed her surprise. “The whole thing was a surprise last night,” she said.
The proposal, submitted by Natelli Investments, would develop a data center on a 190-acre parcel of land near Old US Highway 1. During Thursday’s hearing, the EAB raised several critiques regarding the developer’s plans.
“There is wildlife that is valued by the community, also. So you might want to take a look at that,” said one EAB board member, highlighting the importance of environmental considerations.
The primary criticism from board members centered around noise concerns from the proposed data center site. Neighbors share these worries, with many voicing their apprehension about additional noise, environmental pollution, and possible strains on the power grid.
Yvonne Brubacher, another Jordan Pointe resident, expressed broader community concerns. “We don’t need a data center here, we need services. We don’t have a grocery store; we don’t have a gas station. We don’t have so much as a fast-food restaurant,” she said. “We’re already strained and they want to put additional strain on it.”
ABC11 News reached out to the Town of Apex for a response to the neighbors’ concerns. While a spokesperson did not directly address the community’s issues, they noted that a public hearing might not be held until at least March.
The town spokesperson also explained that the EAB’s role is to make zoning condition recommendations to the applicant and that they do not make recommendations on the rezoning itself.
Natelli Investments released the following statement regarding the project:
“Natelli Investments, an experienced third-generation, family-owned business, is excited for the proposed New Hill Digital Campus that will be located on 190 acres designated for industrial projects in southwestern Wake County. The secure facility will support cloud computing, AI operations, and other digital infrastructure for the region, and it aligns with the community’s long-term growth vision and brings more than $1 billion in economic activity. We are committed to open communication and community engagement and look forward to conversations and dialogue as the process moves forward.”
Neighbors say their goal is for decisions to be made responsibly, with meaningful input from residents likely to be impacted.
“Here we want responsible growth,” said Hoffner O’Connor. “Of course, we don’t want this here at all, but if it’s going to end up here, it has to be in a much more responsible manner than they’re going about it right now.”
Residents plan to continue voicing their concerns to town leaders, including at the next town council meeting scheduled for October 28.
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https://abc11.com/post/data-center-clears-initial-hurdle-apex-jordan-pointe-neighbors-edge-beg-responsible-growth/18028019/