Experts urge Augusta to look beyond zoning in data center debate
Experts gathered in Augusta, Georgia, to discuss new rules for data centers, advising the city to consider broader issues like power, water, and public information beyond just zoning. The discussion highlighted the importance of community benefit agreements and public involvement in major infrastructure decisions, especially as the city develops its data center ordinance.
Augusta, Georgia, is currently in the process of drafting new ordinances for future data center developments. During a recent forum organized by the Center for Community Awareness & Public Engagement, experts urged residents and city officials to consider a wide range of factors beyond traditional zoning issues like setbacks and noise limits.
Dr. Laura O. Taylor, director of the Energy Policy & Innovation Center at Georgia Tech, emphasized that communities should view data centers as major infrastructure projects rather than just economic development opportunities. She advised Augusta to use the Georgia Tech Data Center Ordinance Hub to compare approaches taken by other jurisdictions on issues such as noise, water, power, and environmental protections. Taylor also highlighted the potential for project-specific community benefit agreements to address infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and reporting requirements that zoning might not cover.
Tonya Bonitatibus, director for the Savannah Riverkeeper, brought attention to environmental concerns, particularly stormwater management on large cleared properties, and stressed the need for clear responsibility if a developer defaults. Nora Benavidez of Free Press advocated for greater transparency and public access to information regarding major projects, stating that residents should not have to struggle to understand basic terms. Chris Martin, a local expert, discussed the broader implications of data systems supported by data centers, such as automatic license plate readers, and urged questions about data ownership, storage, and sharing. The forum, moderated by Chastanae Cherry, concluded with a call for residents to focus on issues most important to them and get involved early in the planning process.