CONOVER, N.C. (WHKY) – Microsoft will host a public drop-in session Wednesday, July 15, giving residents an opportunity to speak directly with company representatives about its data center campuses under construction in Catawba County.

According to information shared on the Facebook page of Hickory Mayor Hank Guess, the informal session will be held from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the community room of the Conover Branch Library, located at 403 Conover Station Southeast. There will be no formal presentation, allowing residents to stop by at any time during the day to ask questions and discuss the project with Microsoft representatives.

The event follows a July 1 letter Microsoft sent to nearby residents acknowledging that construction has created noise, dust, traffic and other disruptions. This letter was shared by Mayor Guess on his Facebook page Monday (July 13). In the letter, the company said it takes its responsibility as a corporate neighbor seriously and encouraged residents to contact the company with questions or concerns.

As WHKY previously reported, Microsoft announced in 2022 that it plans to invest at least $1 billion over 10 years to build four data centers in Hickory, Conover and Maiden. The project is expected to create at least 50 jobs.

Construction has prompted concerns from residents living near the sites. Area residents have cited dust, noise, traffic, air quality concerns and potential impacts on property values.

Local governments have responded by saying the facilities are expected to use about one percent of Hickory’s daily water production once fully operational because they will rely primarily on less water-intensive cooling systems. Officials have also said the developments will generate significant future property tax revenue to support public services.

Residents attending Wednesday’s session can also contact Microsoft through its community voicemail line at 980-776-2251 or by email at NorthCarolinaDC@microsoft.com.

[Photo courtesy of Hickory Mayor Hank Guess’ Facebook Page]