Crowded Jackson hearing highlights growing concerns over proposed data center

The hearing drew a crowd that filled the 90-person chamber, leaving many to wait in the halls. Residents from Jackson and surrounding areas voiced anxieties over the project's potential impact on water resources, public health, property values and local infrastructure, while also demanding greater transparency from developers.

Natalie Speaks, a Rankin County resident with Environmental Advocates Mississippi, said Jackson is in a unique position to influence development standards statewide.

"The capital city really does have an opportunity right now to set the standard for the rest of the state. They can say absolutely no to data centers. They can say that we want to invest in our community and not harm our community," Speaks said.

Speaks also criticized the economic incentives provided under Mississippi's data center law, noting that many projects enjoy significant tax exemptions despite creating few permanent jobs.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Tina Clay, who represents the district where the site is proposed, said she was heartened by the turnout and believes residents must have a say in the city’s direction.

"I'm excited. I'm happy to see that the residents came out tonight," Clay said. "It's not just going to affect Ward 2, it's going to affect the whole city."

Clay cited ongoing concerns regarding the project's environmental footprint and its overall long-term value to the city.

"We need economic development, but we need better development than a data center," she said, suggesting manufacturing and housing developments would create more long-term jobs and tax revenue for the city.

Throughout the night, speakers urged the council to mandate independent environmental studies before any construction is approved.

Candice Abdul-Tawwab, executive director of Mississippi for a Just World, reminded officials that Jacksonians have endured years of infrastructure neglect and should not be asked to shoulder additional environmental risks.

"The people that want to construct data centers think that we are fools," Abdul-Tawwab said. "They think that their words will invalidate the enormous amount of evidence that exists that prove the immense harm that data centers produce."

She called on the council to consider a citywide ban on data centers rather than mere regulation.

Some speakers pointed to existing facilities in South Haven, Mississippi, where neighbors have complained about noise pollution and environmental degradation.

Jessica Stein, a recent transplant from Nashville, Tennessee, warned that large-scale developments often promise economic booms they never deliver.

"I've seen it before," Stein said. "I want you all to be smarter. Jackson is beautiful. I love it here, and I'd like to stay."

Other residents cautioned against rushing into an agreement without fully understanding the consequences.

Matt Castile, a farmer whose land is within the proposed rezoning area, asked for a six-month moratorium to allow for expert environmental and infrastructure assessments.

Council members clarified that Monday’s session was for public comment only, not a vote. They noted that the feedback gathered would inform the creation of the new data center ordinance.

Council President Brian Grizzell said the city will release the draft ordinance for public review and hold another hearing before taking final action.

For many in attendance, the meeting was about more than a single facility; it was an opportunity for Jackson to lead the state in establishing policies for the rapidly growing artificial intelligence and data center industries.

No date has been announced for the next public hearing.