Commission reviews data center ADEM permits
A Lowndes County resident addressed county commissioners, presenting an ADEM stormwater permit and land option agreements tied to the proposed Red Clay Technology Campus. He expressed strong concerns about alleged deceptive practices by developers Sandstone Cliffs DevCo LLC and Cloverleaf Infrastructure. The resident urged the commission to protect constituents' interests regarding land and home investments.
Burkville resident John Urquhart spoke before the Lowndes County Commissioners at their August 10 meeting, raising significant concerns about the proposed Red Clay Technology Campus data center project. Urquhart emphasized his personal investment in his land and home, which he fears could be impacted by the development.
He provided commissioners with copies of an ADEM Construction Stormwater General NPDES Permit, effective July 8, granted to David Perry, Sandstone Cliffs DevCo LLC, for the Red Clay Technology Campus in Lowndes County. Additionally, Urquhart distributed purchase option agreements between Sandstone Cliffs and several Lowndes County landowners for approximately 1,050 acres.
Urquhart alleged a "shell game" tactic, stating that all documents were under Sandstone Cliffs DevCo LLC, signed by David Berry, identified as the CEO of Cloverleaf Infrastructure. He accused the developers of deception to delay public objections to permit issuance, vehemently urging commissioners to prioritize their constituents' interests, especially those in economically disadvantaged areas. Urquhart called the purported deceptive practices "disgusting."
Commissioners also addressed Urquhart's open records request, which was delivered at a previous July 27 meeting. Attorney Prince Chestnut assured that a response would be provided within the 30-day window. Commissioner Dickson Farrior also inquired about open records requests sent to the Lowndes County Economic Development Board, with Chestnut promising to seek an update from the board's attorney.