Data center controversy continues in Georgia
Data center controversies continue across North Georgia, with residents actively organizing against projects due to concerns over water, electricity, noise, pollution, and impacts on historic sites. In Hampton, a proposed data center near a historic Black church and cemetery faces opposition, while a Lovejoy project was withdrawn by the developer after resident outcry. Marietta's city council is now considering future regulations after previously approving a data center moratorium.
The debate surrounding data center developments continues in North Georgia, with specific controversies emerging in Hampton, Lovejoy, and Marietta. In Hampton, a proposed data center near South Lee and Woolsey Road is facing scrutiny due to its proximity to the remains of a historic Black church and its adjacent cemetery. The preservation group Honor Thy Roots, which is actively restoring the cemetery, fears the new construction could impede their work or damage the historic grounds. The city of Hampton has implemented a 50-foot buffer to protect the burial site.
Meanwhile, a proposed data center in Lovejoy has been halted as the developer withdrew its special administrative permit application, opting instead for residential development. Lovejoy Mayor Marci Fluellen acknowledged and appreciated the residents who vocalized their concerns during the process, stating the city's focus remains on growth compatible with the community's future.
In Marietta, residents recently convened for a town hall meeting to address their concerns regarding data centers' potential impact on public health, the environment, and the broader community. This gathering follows the Marietta City Council's approval of a moratorium on data center development earlier in the summer, with the council now exploring future regulatory measures. A speaker at the town hall highlighted that while some communities in Georgia might welcome data centers for job creation, residents in areas affected by noise, water, and air pollution have a right to understand the potential consequences.