Marietta residents debate guardrails, transparency amid proposed data center approval
The Marietta City Council approved a Prime Group data center development in a 5-2 vote, despite significant resident opposition. Local residents and a state representative urged the council to implement stricter safeguards and improve transparency regarding the project's potential impacts. Concerns included noise from backup generators and the facility's cooling system, which would not use municipal water.
The Marietta City Council voted 5-2 to approve a new data center development by Prime Group, following a heated debate at a packed public meeting.
Residents filled City Hall, with many expressing concerns about the project's potential impact on nearby neighborhoods. Ward 3 homeowner Lindsey Koch and resident Tracy Stevenson called for greater transparency, robust guardrails, and accountability from city leaders, questioning the oversight of the data center's development. State Rep. Mary Frances Williams also voiced opposition, citing unanswered questions regarding noise from backup generators and the facility's cooling system, which reportedly would use propylene glycol and not municipal water.
Conversely, supporters such as Marietta resident John Porter, local business owner Stuart Wall, and Dana Johnson of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce argued that the data center would boost the local tax base, create jobs, and provide essential infrastructure for the community. David Crowley, a consultant to Prime Group, assured the council that the project is designed for maximum efficiency. Despite the calls for more safeguards, the council ultimately moved forward with the approval.