Residents living near a Michigan data center in Dowagiac say a constant, high-pitched noise coming from the facility has transformed their quiet neighborhood into a place where they struggle to sleep, spend time outdoors, and enjoy their homes.
Background
The data center, owned by Alliance Cloud Services LLC, has been the source of frustration for years, with the noise becoming a major issue after changes at the property began several years ago.
Residents describe the sound as a high-pitched whining, comparable to a vacuum cleaner left on. The noise has continued around the clock, creating frustration as the company prepares plans for a major expansion focused on artificial intelligence computing and advanced robotics.
Community Impact
Marjorie Finn, a resident who has lived in the neighborhood for decades, said the noise has affected her ability to enjoy her home, particularly during warmer months when residents would normally spend more time outdoors. Her husband, Billy Finn, compared the experience to the use of sound as a form of punishment.
Lindy Valenzuela, another resident, said the noise has affected her ability to enjoy her home, particularly during warmer months. She is also a plaintiff in a class action lawsuit alleging excessive noise from the data center.
Company Response
Hyperscale Data CEO William Horne spoke directly with residents during a special city council meeting, saying the company plans to invest $100 million to expand artificial intelligence computing and advanced robotics operations while moving away from cryptocurrency mining. He also offered a potential solution for residents who remain dissatisfied, saying the company would buy their property from them if they are not happy.
The company has acquired additional nearby acreage that will serve as a natural buffer between the facility and neighboring homes. Hyperscale Data said roughly half of its cryptocurrency mining equipment is already offline and that it expects the remaining equipment to be shut down within three months.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
