Walls residents again pushed back against a possible Walls data center during Monday night’s community listening session, even as Mayor Keidron Henderson made the case that such a project could be a significant economic boost for the small northwest DeSoto County town. The Oct. 19 evening meeting was the second round of sessions Henderson called to hear what residents want for the town’s future.
According to Action News 5 (WMC), which covered the meeting, residents’ concerns centered mainly on the environment and the potential for rapid development in Walls. Henderson spoke about what he believes would be a significant economic benefit of having a data center in town.
Mayor Calls for Respectful Debate Over Walls Data Center
Henderson acknowledged that many in the room disagree with him and asked that the conversation stay civil. “I’ve always said from day one I’m not afraid of having a conversation,” he said, according to WMC. He told residents that it is OK to disagree, “but let’s do it with honor, dignity and respect.”
Monday’s tone followed a heated first session on Oct. 12, when residents pressed town leaders for more transparency and accused officials of keeping them in the dark about development plans. Henderson has previously said that no data center developer has approached the town and that there are no current plans for a data center in Walls.
How the Debate Started
The listening sessions grew out of a rezoning fight earlier this fall:
Sept. 22: The Walls Planning Commission voted against a request to rezone about 1,200 acres from agricultural to industrial use. Opponents feared the change could open the door to a data center.
After the vote: Henderson announced a series of listening sessions in a letter to residents, saying his administration’s commitment is “to listen rather than silence.”
Oct. 12: The first session drew a large crowd, and the data center question dominated the first part of the evening.
Oct. 19: Two more sessions were scheduled, at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Many residents have pointed to the xAI (now SpaceXAI) data center and power plant in neighboring Southaven as an example of what they don’t want in Walls. That project has drawn a lawsuit over turbine noise and complaints about construction traffic, while also bringing new investment and jobs to the area.
Final Walls Listening Session Set for Saturday
One more session remains: Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. The town has said registration is required because seating is limited and spots are first come, first served. Residents can contact Walls Town Hall at 9087 Nail Road, 662-781-1282, to register and confirm the location.
Henderson has said he will take residents’ feedback to the Board of Aldermen before the town moves forward on any major development. DeSoto County News will continue to follow the Walls data center debate and report on Saturday’s final session.
