Americus Planning and Zoning Commission casts divided vote over data center ordinance
The Americus Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance concerning the approval and regulation of data centers. The vote was three-to-one, with one commissioner questioning another member's participation due to his role as City Manager.
The Americus Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance to provide for the approval and regulation of data centers. The commission's vote was three-to-one, with Commissioner Channon Thurman casting the sole dissenting vote during the August 18 meeting.
During the vote, Thurman inquired whether fellow Commissioner Raphael Maddox, who also serves as the City Manager, should recuse himself. Maddox stated that he had no private or personal interest in property or business related to the ordinance and therefore did not recuse himself. The Americus Times-Recorder requested the meeting minutes, which were received eight days later on August 26.