Google data center coming to LaGrange draws mixed reactions

Google is moving forward with plans to build a new data center in LaGrange, West Georgia, a development that is receiving mixed reactions from the local community. City leaders are promoting the project as a significant economic boost for the area. The mayor noted that discussions to attract a data center began years ago after the city lost its largest employer, Jindal, and that Google's development process was well underway before it became a public topic or moratoriums were considered. He asserted there was no intention to keep the project under wraps, but rather it was in progress before it became a point of public discussion. However, residents have voiced strong opposition and concerns about a lack of transparency in the decision-making. Resident Cindy Hutchings stated that the community was not given a proper opportunity to provide input on the project. She highlighted that during a work session on the same day as a City Council meeting, officials decided to discard overarching ordinances for data centers, opting instead to proceed with special use permits. This change in approach meant there was no further public hearing for residents to weigh in on the decision, leading to feelings of exclusion from the process.