The Daily When A.I. Comes to Town: The Backlash Over Data Centers
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Feb 16, 2026 
Karen Weise, New York Times tech correspondent covering AI infrastructure, walks through the clash between big tech data center builds and rural communities. She describes massive power and land demands, a tense rezoning fight in St. Joseph County, debates over jobs versus quality of life, and how local hearings are shaping the future of AI infrastructure.
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Boom Benefits And Nuisances
- Rapid construction brought thousands of workers, full hotels, and local-pay boosts from taxes and apprenticeships.
- But it also created serious traffic, safety, and resource concerns for residents.
Rezoning Triggered Community Reckoning
- A later, larger project required rezoning, forcing county officials to publicly weigh continued buildout.
- That triggered a high-stakes local political decision about whether the community had reached its limit.
Packed Town Halls Late Into Night
- A packed county meeting drew hundreds in person and online to debate a rezoning vote into the night.
- The overflow turnout showed how deeply the issue mobilized diverse local voices.