Data centers, animal ordinances highlight Hogansville meeting

Hogansville, GA, residents and members of the Troup County Anti-Data Center Coalition voiced significant concerns about potential data center development at a recent Hogansville City Council meeting. Gage Bailey, founder of the coalition, questioned the council's decision to extend Fertile Ground Investments (FGI)'s purchase option agreement for the old sprayfield on Hightower Road until March 9, 2027, which was made in an executive session. Bailey also raised rumors that FGI had input on ongoing ordinance revisions, leading to distrust among the community. Residents Ila Burdette and Paula Darden highlighted various issues with data centers, including their large property footprints, extensive utility use, potential economic shortfalls, and developers' secrecy. Darden specifically brought up the inadequacy of current water and electricity infrastructure and demanded that new ordinances require data centers to detail their water and wastewater needs, along with monthly independent testing for pollutants like biocides and PFAS chemicals. City Council Member Jason Baswell assured the public that FGI has no input on the ordinances and that the moratorium, enacted in February for 90 days, and the citizens' committee were established to protect the city and its residents. He encouraged active participation in committee meetings. The discussions occurred as city staff and a citizens' committee work on developing new ordinances to safeguard Hogansville from potential negative impacts of data centers.