Jefferson County residents push back on data centers at packed community meeting
Jefferson County residents voiced strong opposition to potential data center development at a packed community meeting, even though no specific projects are currently planned. The county commission plans to draft a zoning ordinance to address future data center proposals. Meanwhile, Augusta commissioners are scheduled to decide on a moratorium for new data center projects.
Jefferson County residents gathered in a packed community meeting to discuss the possibility of data centers coming to their area, with public opinion overwhelmingly against such developments. Many speakers expressed concerns that data centers do not fit the county's community and could negatively impact the landscape, farmland, agriculture, and timber industries.
Jefferson County Chairman McGraw stated that while no data centers are currently planned, the county is being proactive. The commission aims to be transparent and is drafting a zoning ordinance for data centers to protect citizens, regardless of whether a company seeks to build there in the future.
The discussion also touched upon neighboring counties like Richmond, Columbia, and McDuffie, which already have or are considering data centers. Separately, Augusta commissioners are slated to vote on a city ordinance that would pause new data center projects. This proposed ordinance would affect future developments but not the existing QTS campus under construction on Gordon Highway.