Nassau County residents voice concerns during data center public hearing

Nassau County’s second public hearing on data centers drew a packed room in Yulee Monday night.

So many people showed up this afternoon that the county opened an overflow room. Parents watched while their kids played on the floor. Inside, the chairwoman shut down the applause, calling it a distraction with so many people waiting to speak.

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There was no clapping, but plenty of pushback from Nassau County neighbors who don’t want data centers.

“65 decibels is equivalent to a wild restaurant you’ve ever been to, Cracker Barrel; you can hardly hear yourself think,” one speaker said.

A few say the county should cash in, especially with Amendment 3 leaving budget holes to fill.

“You’re going to have to deal with budget constraints, and operating a business that is not doing well,” one speaker said.

“Our county would become the envy of so many counties that would want to...,” another speaker said.

Commissioners pointed to the experts cited in their draft report. As Action News Jax reported, county leaders wrote that report, and it heavily highlights the benefits of data centers. They say the goal is a framework the county never had.

“In the 1980s I worked at CSX, and they had about six servers of data centers. It was so cold in the air. I had to wear a winter coat,” one speaker said.

But many neighbors say Big Tech isn’t looking out for them.

“I’m not here to advocate against development. I’m here to advocate for responsible growth, protect our natural resources, and make sure the taxpayers are taken care of in a responsible way,” another speaker said.

The final report is expected later this month.

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