Augusta commissioners to consider data center moratorium
Augusta city leaders are considering a moratorium on new data center applications until new zoning regulations are finalized. The Public Services Committee initially tabled the discussion, but a commissioner is pushing for the full commission to address the moratorium at an upcoming meeting due to public concerns.
Augusta commissioners are debating whether to enact a moratorium on future data center sites while new zoning regulations are being developed. Reporter George Eskola noted that Augusta's first data center has been approved near Gordon Highway and Haynes Station, with more expected.
City planners are currently drafting new regulations concerning data center location, noise, and size, and have suggested commissioners adopt a moratorium on new applications until these rules are complete. Commissioner Lonnie Wimberly emphasized the need to carefully word any moratorium and learn more about data centers.
During a recent meeting, the Public Services Committee, at the request of the Chair, tabled the discussion on adopting the moratorium, with one commissioner suggesting ordinances could be developed without a moratorium. However, Commissioner Jordan Johnson stated his intention to bring the data center moratorium before the full commission at their next meeting, citing clear concerns from citizens regarding data centers in their neighborhoods.