Jesup meeting draws concerns over a possible data center project

Jesup city leaders are weighing a new ordinance to regulate large-scale data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations after a public work session and town hall meeting revealed widespread community concerns. The proposed ordinance would establish data centers as conditional uses in the city's Light Industrial District, requiring them to meet specific development and performance standards.

Mayor Ralph Hickox emphasized the meeting's purpose was to hear from residents. While the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority manages property agreements, the city controls zoning and regulations. The proposed data center project would still require proper zoning and electricity allocation from Georgia Power, along with a closing property transaction and an agreement with a data center operator.

District 3 Commissioner Tim Cockfield opposes the project, citing too many unknowns and cons. He advocated for a temporary moratorium to allow more time for research and public input. Developer Stephen Abernathy of Abernathy Development Company acknowledged the late start of public discussion but argued that newer facilities can mitigate concerns about water usage and noise. He noted the proposed site's existing industrial zoning and infrastructure.

Residents, including Molly Hall, expressed a need for more time to understand the ordinance's implications, particularly regarding noise, water, electricity use, and setbacks. They requested a 12-month moratorium to facilitate further study and community involvement, highlighting that the ordinance had grown significantly in length and that many questions remain unanswered.