Commission hears more data center opposition
Lowndes County residents packed a commission meeting to oppose a proposed data center in Burkville, citing concerns about transparency, water impacts, and the project's long-term effects on their community. They pressed the Lowndes County Commission for more information, but commissioners emphasized their due diligence process.
Lowndes County residents attended a Lowndes County Commission meeting to voice strong opposition to the proposed Burkville data center, referred to as Project Red Clay. Linda Hall, a lifelong resident, expressed concern over the data center's proposed entrance near her property, drawing parallels to a previous land acquisition by GE Plastics in 1981, which she described as a 'hush-hush' deal.
Other residents, including Pam McCurdy, John Urquhart, Joseph Spraggins, Angeia Killingsworth, and Trevor Haney, echoed Hall's sentiments. Urquhart criticized Cloverleaf Infrastructure representatives for providing evasive and conflicting answers regarding the data center's long-term tenants during an open house. Spraggins warned of potential long-term impacts on northern Lowndes County, specifically mentioning issues like low water pressure, and characterized the developers as 'billionaire predators.'
Farmer Trevor Haney questioned the commission's commitment to transparency and asked Chairman Charlie King about the resources utilized for due diligence regarding data centers. King remained silent, but Commissioner Robert Harris stated that the board possesses the ability to research and make sound decisions, urging residents to respect the process. King also added that the commission was working for everyone and asked residents not to denigrate them.