Concerns over property values took center stage during the DeKalb City Planning and Zoning meeting on September 2, 2025, as community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center project. Residents expressed fears that the development, which aims to support cryptocurrency operations for Denodo Solar, could significantly diminish the value of their homes.

David, a local resident, passionately argued against the project, stating, "No one wants to buy a house with a data center next to it, just like no one wants to buy a house with a nuclear power plant next to it." He emphasized that the project would benefit a corporation at the expense of the community, urging city leaders to prioritize local interests over corporate profit.

Another resident, Ben Thomas, raised a critical question about property values, asking if anyone could guarantee that they would not decrease due to the data center's proximity. City officials responded that while they could not provide such guarantees, previous solar farms in the area had not negatively impacted adjacent property values. They cited examples of successful developments near solar farms, including a multimillion-dollar truck sales operation.

Dawn Gavin, another community member, inquired about the project's timeline, learning that construction could potentially begin in 2026 if approved. The discussion highlighted the complex nature of the issue, with officials noting that the area is already surrounded by industrial operations, suggesting that the land may eventually be developed for industrial use regardless.

As the meeting concluded, the tension between community concerns and corporate interests remained palpable, leaving residents anxious about the potential impact of the data center on their neighborhood and property values. The city now faces the challenge of balancing economic development with the well-being of its residents.