MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Whitehaven residents already living next to Elon Musk’s rapidly expanding xAI footprint say they were blindsided after learning another data center is taking shape in their neighborhood.
The revelation came after Musk announced on social media this week the existence of an additional facility known as Minihard, adding to the growing network of xAI projects already under construction along Tulane Road.
For many residents, the news came as a shock and has renewed concerns about transparency and the impact of the development on the surrounding community.
“It’s an insult, it’s just an insult,” said Holmes-Tulane resident Jennice Peters.
Neighbors who spoke with FOX13 said they continue to grapple with the effects of ongoing construction while learning about major additions to the project after plans are already moving forward.
“I am surprised and I’m not surprised,” Peters said. “My problem with the whole thing is the noise because we hear it all night long.”
Construction activity continued Thursday, with crews working at the site. The newly disclosed facility appears to be part of xAI’s broader expansion in Memphis, where facilities known as Macrohard and Macroharder are already under construction.
The announcement is drawing fresh criticism from community advocates who have raised concerns about the project for months.
“I fail to understand why our city leadership, why our county leadership will not step up and protect the people,” said Keshaun Pearson of Memphis Communities Against Pollution. “Why has there been no legislation put forward that will slow down this project, or any demands that will regulate these data centers? Without regulation, we see what Elon Musk will do.”
Residents say their concerns extend beyond environmental questions. Some worry about increased traffic and safety issues as development accelerates.
Holmes-Tulane resident Hayes McKissick said additional vehicle traffic near the site could create dangerous conditions.
“I believe there’s going to be some accidents,” McKissick said.
Pollution concerns remain at the center of the debate for environmental advocates, including Pearson and Latricea D. Adams, founder, CEO and president of Young, Gifted & Green.
In a statement to FOX13, Adams said:
“I and many other Memphis residents had no idea a 4th data center was coming to Whitehaven. Lack of transparency seems to be on brand for how this company operates and how city leadership consistently bends to the pressure of industry.”
For Peters, the issue is deeply personal. She says residents who live closest to the project deserve a greater opportunity to weigh in on decisions affecting their neighborhood.
“It is just very heartbreaking,” Peters said. “It’s disappointing to think that our public officials would not give us an opportunity to speak, to allow our opinions to be heard.”
FOX13 reached out to the Mayor’s Office for comment regarding the newly disclosed data center but had not received a response as of Thursday evening.
As xAI’s presence in Memphis continues to expand, residents say they are left with growing questions about what comes next and whether their concerns will be heard before additional development moves forward.
Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood.
Trending stories: