A Small Georgia Town Takes On Billion Dollar Data Center
Residents of Maysville, Georgia, are opposing a Northern Data data center planned less than half a mile from an elementary school. They cite potential impacts on water, air, utility bills, noise, light pollution and local resources, while the fight has become a major issue in Georgia politics and the governor’s race.
Residents, parents and teachers in Maysville, a town of about 2,000 people in Jackson County, are campaigning against a data center planned near a local elementary school. They say the project could affect children, water resources, air quality, noise and light levels, and household utility costs. The project is being developed by Northern Data, which is owned by RUM Group; the companies and Maysville’s mayor did not respond to requests for comment.
The dispute reflects broader opposition to Georgia’s rapid data center growth, including concerns about tax breaks, rising electricity rates, environmental impacts and the use of nondisclosure agreements. The issue has entered the state’s Public Service Commission elections and the governor’s race. One candidate has called for a moratorium or pause on new data center construction until officials can provide assurances about water and electricity costs, while the opposing candidate has argued that local communities should decide whether projects proceed. Georgia leaders and industry supporters say data centers bring jobs and technological development, but Maysville residents say they have not been adequately consulted.