Coweta city manager apologizes for saying opponents of data center project ‘not very smart’

Coweta City Manager Julie Casteen issued an apology Monday for leaked text messages in which she questioned the intelligence of opponents to the proposed Project Atlas Data Center. The messages, sent to City Council member Jeremy Barnett on January 7 and shared by the 'Say No to Coweta, OK Data Center' Facebook group, showed Casteen calling protesters "not very smart" and frustrated by their opposition, particularly regarding concerns about utility costs. Casteen acknowledged her comments were "inappropriate and hurtful" and took "full responsibility. The Project Atlas proposal, led by Beale Infrastructure, seeks to build a 400-megawatt natural gas power plant, 20 acres of battery storage, and a data center facility on 270 acres in south Coweta. Developers estimate the project would contribute $195 million to the community over 25 years, including significant funds for water system upgrades and local schools. However, opponents have raised concerns about the project's potential impact on electricity and water availability. Following a public hearing on January 19, the Coweta Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the necessary zoning change for Project Atlas. The final decision on the zoning request is scheduled to be considered by the Coweta City Council on April 6.