SpaceX is snapping up hundreds of homes near its new flagship AI data center — but only if the owners agree to one incredible catch

SpaceX is reportedly eyeing up to 418 homes near its new artificial intelligence data center in Southaven, Mississippi. The properties are situated close to a power station that supplies electricity to the company's computing facilities. This potential property acquisition is contingent on homeowners agreeing to withdraw from an ongoing lawsuit regarding noise disturbances caused by gas turbines.

The lawsuit involves residents claiming that the turbine noise has severely disrupted their daily lives and sleep patterns. Elizabeth Rose, a piano teacher living nearby, describes the continuous noise as resembling an airplane engine, making it difficult for her to get a good night's rest. She says she often wakes up multiple times during the night, sometimes as early as 2 or 3 a.m.

Jason Haley, a plaintiff in the class action lawsuit, echoes Rose's concerns about the persistent noise and its impact on his sleep. He describes the sound as a high-pitched hum followed by another noise resembling an airplane, which he says has been incredibly disruptive. Haley has also expressed frustration over feeling ignored and dismissed by those in charge.

Despite the residents' complaints, SpaceX maintains that it has taken steps to reduce the noise disruption. The company has reportedly lowered power output and installed sound barriers to limit noise reaching nearby residential areas. Mayor Darren Musselwhite, however, notes that municipal monitoring has not detected noise levels exceeding Southaven's legal limit of 70 decibels.

Some residents have accepted SpaceX's purchase offers, while others continue to oppose the company's industrial operations. Southaven's mayor has rejected suggestions that the property acquisitions would result in Colonial Hills becoming a neighborhood dominated by a single employer. He emphasizes that the company intends to provide accommodation for employees while also addressing the concerns of residents who find the nearby industrial development disruptive.