Somerset County moves to restrict data centers after residents warn of impacts on water, land and quality of life

# What happened Somerset County planning officials moved to draft restrictions on data centers after a public planning commission meeting where dozens of residents raised objections. The discussion centered on proposed AI data centers and whether the county should limit or ban them outright.

# Who showed up and what they said About 35 people attended the meeting in person and roughly 40 others watched online. Comments fell into two camps: residents who want no data centers in Somerset County and residents who could accept them only under strict ordinance rules.

Several people told the commission they moved to Somerset County because of its water and land qualities and worry those resources could be harmed. Specific concerns raised included:

• High water use and strain on local water supplies.
• Land use changes that could affect rural character and property values.

• Possibility of data centers sited near neighborhoods.
• Higher electric and water bills for local residents.

# How county officials responded

# Next steps and timeline A follow-up public meeting with opportunity for comment is scheduled for Oct. 20 at the Bakersville Fire Hall at 5 p.m. That meeting will be followed directly by a commissioners meeting where officials currently plan to vote on the ordinance.

# Why residents worry (specific local impacts cited) Residents repeatedly framed Somerset County as a place chosen for finite natural resources and rural character. Their specific concerns connect to concrete local effects:

• Electricity: Increased demand might affect grid reliability and household energy costs.
• Land and neighborhoods: Large facilities require significant acreage and can change nearby land use patterns and local aesthetics.
• Noise/light: Operations and security lighting could affect quality of life in otherwise quiet areas.

# Bottom line Residents made clear they do not want data center development to proceed without strict safeguards. County officials are treating public input as part of ordinance drafting and will hold a decisive meeting and vote on Oct. 20 following a final public comment period.