‘Enough is enough’: Mitchell County residents push to recall commissioners after controversial data center rezoning
Mitchell County, Georgia residents are actively pursuing a recall of three county commissioners following a controversial vote to rezone 300 acres of agricultural land for a 1,500-megawatt power generation facility linked to a rumored data center power plant. Opposition centers on lack of transparency, potential environmental impacts like water usage, and the industrial nature of the project near residential areas. Organizers have successfully submitted initial signatures to begin the recall process.
Residents of Mitchell County, Georgia, are mobilizing a formal effort to recall three county commissioners – Keith Jones, Julius Hatcher, and David Griner – after a controversial June 29 vote. The vote approved the rezoning of 300 acres from agricultural to industrial use, paving the way for a 1,500-megawatt power generation facility near Baconton, which locals link to utility giant NextEra Energy and rumored data center development.
Leading the petition drive, Lauren Dorminy confirmed that the first 100 required signatures were submitted for Commissioner Griner, initiating the formal recall process. Under Georgia law, if these signatures are verified, organizers will need to gather signatures from 30% of registered voters in each district to force a special recall election.
Opponents, including Quincy Haywood of Pelham, express frustration over a perceived lack of transparency from local officials, citing non-disclosure agreements and the need for public records requests. Residents are concerned about the project's scale, its proximity to residential areas, the humming noise from potential data centers, and significant environmental impacts, particularly the 'massive water draw from local aquifers.' Mitchell County Development Authority Executive Director James Eubanks reportedly dismissed opponents as a 'small, misinformed group.'
Commissioner Jones responded, stating he respects citizens' rights but believes some claims are misleading. He asserted that all development projects undergo transparent processes and that decisions are made based on facts and existing ordinances. He added that the county administrator is reviewing procedures to strengthen them, and he is not concerned about the recall effort, vowing to continue serving Mitchell County.