Maysville citizens speak out on data centers
Citizens in Maysville, Georgia, have expressed strong opposition to a data center project by Northern Data at recent city council meetings, raising concerns about noise, water supply, and electricity consumption. The Maysville City Council is now considering implementing a moratorium on development and plans to hold a town hall meeting with the developers to address community questions. An online petition and protests are ongoing to halt the project.
Maysville, Georgia, is experiencing significant public outcry against a proposed data center project by Northern Data, with citizens voicing concerns at recent City Council meetings that have become loud and disruptive. Residents highlighted issues such as noise, water supply, electricity consumption, and general environmental impacts, leading Police Chief Doug Anderson to repeatedly call for order.
Mayor Richard Presley announced he has contacted the developers, Northern Data, to arrange a town hall meeting before the end of July, aiming to provide a forum for citizens' questions. The City Council members indicated they are exploring options, including implementing a moratorium on new development, in response to the community's demands.
The project stems from Northern Data, which has operated a smaller crypto mining data center in Maysville since 2019. In January 2025 (likely a typo, should be 2024 or earlier given the ongoing opposition described), the Maysville City Council approved a conditional use permit for a larger data center on 63 adjoining acres, a decision that is now being heavily criticized by residents.
Opposition efforts include an online petition on change.org with over 1,800 signatures, urging the City Council to halt the project until a binding Community Benefits Agreement and new local ordinances are established. Additionally, a local group is organizing bi-weekly protests, vowing to continue until significant changes are made regarding the data center's development.