The Big Picture
Kershaw County’s Planning Commission just approved a rezoning request for a 162-acre data center project in Camden, proposed by Terra Nexus Ventures. County Council takes up the vote Sept. 23.
At first glance, “big facility = big jobs” seems like the story. But here’s the truth: this project brings only about 15 permanent jobs. That’s not a typo.
So why is Camden buzzing about it? Because the real story is in the long-term tax base, infrastructure upgrades, and how this shapes the county’s growth for decades to come.
The Reality Check: Jobs Are Temporary
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Construction Surge: Expect hundreds—maybe thousands—of contractors, electricians, and heavy equipment operators on site for 12–18 months. That’s a short-term boom for hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and rentals.
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Permanent Staff: Once the servers are humming, the headcount drops to ~15 specialized technicians and managers. The jobs story ends there.
👉 Translation: This is not a jobs play.
Where the Money Really Flows
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Property Tax Revenue: Data centers are packed with high-value infrastructure—servers, backup generators, cooling systems. All taxable. This creates a steady, long-term income stream for Kershaw County.
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Infrastructure Investment: Power and water upgrades are coming, and that benefits surrounding neighborhoods too.
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Community Branding: Having a high-tech facility shifts Camden’s reputation from “historic horse country” to “digital backbone”—which can draw new interest from other industries.
Local Impact
Homeowners:
Better utilities and infrastructure tend to push property values up. The downside? Concerns about noise, land-use, and aesthetics will surface.
Buyers (including VA/PCS):
Military families considering Camden may see the data center as a sign of future growth and stronger internet reliability—key for resale value.
Sellers:
Nearby landowners may see new demand from businesses that follow data centers (logistics, coffee shops, service companies). Holdouts could get a better price later.
Investors:
It’s not the jobs—it’s the domino effect. Data centers anchor utility expansion, which can unlock new parcels for commercial and residential growth.
What to Watch Next
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Sept. 23 County Council Vote: Rezoning approval is step one.
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Utility Upgrades: Data centers live or die by reliable power and cooling. Watch Dominion and local providers.
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Infrastructure Spin-offs: Expect road work, substations, and broadband extensions.
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Community Feedback: Some neighbors will embrace it, others will fight it. How Council balances those voices will matter.
Bottom Line
Camden’s data center isn’t a golden goose for permanent jobs. But it’s a tax base powerhouse—and that matters more in the long run. For homeowners, sellers, buyers, and investors, the story here is about stability, infrastructure, and Camden’s evolving identity.
This is a long game. And it just might change the way people see Kershaw County.
