Residents block new AWS data centre

Wilmington city officials have postponed final approval of a proposed $4 billion AWS data centre following weeks of local opposition and community concerns, extending the review process to include further public input and environmental assessments.

WILMINGTON city officials have postponed final approval of a proposed $4 billion Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centre after weeks of vigorous opposition from local residents, allowing more time for review and public input. According to WCPO, the delay follows repeated council meetings and town halls in which neighbours pressed officials for details about the project’s local impacts. ^[1][2]

The campus would cover roughly 471 acres off U.S. 68 and, according to project materials cited by local outlets, represents a $4 billion investment by AWS. The Clinton County Port Authority and city economic officials have emphasised the potential economic benefits: at least 100 permanent jobs, an estimated $8 million in annual payroll and a $25 million commitment from AWS toward public infrastructure such as sewer work, a water tower and road improvements. WVXU, Data Center Dynamics and Real Change Wilmington reported those figures. ^[4][3][7]

City council has already moved the proposal through an initial reading, but votes on a requested 30‑year tax abatement and final approvals have been postponed. WOSU and WVXU noted the tax plan would likely take the form of payments in lieu of property taxes (PILOT) to the city, local schools and the Clinton County Port Authority if approved. Councilmembers advanced the measure past first reading with several in favour, but the timetable has been extended to allow further scrutiny. ^[5][3]

Residents have raised concerns about the facility’s proximity to homes and schools, potential noise, and possible effects on local water supplies. One neighbour told WCPO: “There is not a facility like this anywhere else to compare to. You have no idea what the harmful effects will be.” Local reporting indicates those worries have driven high turnout at meetings and prompted additional town halls to be scheduled for early January so people can ask questions outside regular council sessions. ^[1][2][3]

Jessica Sharp, who lives adjacent to the proposed site, has emerged as a prominent critic and told WCPO she felt residents were kept in the dark. She said: “We just moved into our homes four or five months ago each. Nobody told us this was going on, that this was in the works,” and described the emotional toll: “You build what you think is going to be your forever home, and then you find out it’s not going to be a farmer’s field behind you anymore. When I found out that day, it was devastating. There were a lot of tears shed.” ^[1]

Councilmember Jamie Knowles has been the clearest public opponent to date, casting the lone dissenting vote at a December council session and urging additional community discussion before the council proceeds. WVXU and WCPO report Knowles said too many questions remain unanswered about the project’s community impact and that officials should use the delay to review documents and engage more broadly with residents. ^[1][3]

Project supporters, including the Clinton County Port Authority and local economic development officials, argue the campus would spur economic growth and municipal upgrades. According to presentations covered by Real Change Wilmington and Data Center Dynamics, port and county representatives outlined the job, payroll and infrastructure commitments while urging the council to consider long‑term regional benefits. ^[7][4]

City officials say the postponement gives them time to study the application and respond to community concerns before any final decision. Local reporting indicates the council will continue to examine environmental, infrastructural and fiscal details during the extended review period and hold further public engagement sessions in early January. ^[1][3][5]

📌 Reference Map:

##Reference Map:

• ^[1] (WCPO) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 8
• ^[2] (WCPO summary) – Paragraph 1
• ^[3] (WVXU) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 8
• ^[4] (Data Center Dynamics) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 7
• ^[5] (WOSU) – Paragraph 3, Paragraph 8
• ^[6] (WCPO related advance) – Paragraph 2
• ^[7] (Real Change Wilmington) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 7

Source: Fuse Wire Services