SpaceX Offers to Buy 418 Homes Near Mississippi Data Center to Settle Noise Disputes

SpaceX is offering to purchase 418 homes near its Colossus data center in Southaven, Mississippi, on condition that owners waive participation in noise litigation, with 18 homeowners having agreed so far. The purchased homes will house SpaceX employees, according to a real estate agent representing the company and the local mayor. MZX Tech, a SpaceX-affiliated entity, is handling the acquisitions. The company is building a power plant in Southaven to supply the data center, and residents have complained of noise; three residents sued in June over noise, vibrations and other disturbances. SpaceX denies the noise allegations, saying it has adjusted power output and built sound barriers. The average local home price is about $180,000, against $40 billion to $50 billion in total Colossus investment. SpaceX also faces environmental claims: the EPA says dozens of truck-sized temporary gas turbines operate without required federal permits, and the Southern Environmental Law Center estimates $44 million in annual health damages.