Congressional candidate addresses citizen concerns over data center

Congressional candidate Matt Day met with a group of concerned citizens at Midway Church in Crisp County, Georgia, to discuss a proposed data center development. Although Crisp County is outside his district, Day, who has prior experience in building data centers, emphasized the importance of community choice and implementing guardrails for such projects. The proposed data center site is located near Cemetery and Old Nesbitt Roads, prompting numerous questions from local residents regarding its potential impact on their community.

Residents expressed significant apprehension regarding the data center's potential effects. Carla Baker, an organizer of the meeting, voiced fears of being forced to leave her fourth-generation farm and highlighted a perceived lack of communication from local leaders. Lynn Hayslip, who lives across from the proposed site, worried about excessive noise, reduced property values, water usage, and heat generation. Rhonda Bernecker, another nearby resident, raised concerns about the impact of the construction phase on road infrastructure.

Day addressed the issue of water usage, stating that technology exists for closed-loop systems with on-site wastewater treatment and recycling, suggesting that such requirements should be included in local ordinances. He also acknowledged generator noise as a potential concern. Citizens, including Baker, are exploring options to organize and potentially put the data center proposal on the ballot for a vote in Crisp County.

Separately, the City of Cordele, also located in Crisp County, is grappling with the prospect of data center development. A Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for September 17 to discuss a data center ordinance. Cordele City Manager David Wade stated on August 18 that the City has not yet entered into any agreements with a data center company nor been approached by one.