Jesup residents address concerns surrounding potential data center

Residents in Jesup, Wayne County, Georgia, are expressing significant concerns regarding the potential development of a data center in their area. This public backlash follows a decision by the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority to approve a contract allowing the sale of the 315-acre Wayne County Commerce Center, a move that would facilitate the data center project.

Molly Hall, a Jesup resident, voiced alarm over the lack of public information surrounding the project, which she discovered about a month ago. Residents are particularly worried about the potential impact on water supply, citing fears of wells running dry, and a significant increase in utility costs, drawing parallels to issues seen in other communities with data center developments. Despite these concerns, the Jesup Board of Commissioners recently denied a proposed moratorium on data centers.

However, discussions are ongoing, with an ordinance relating to data centers now slated for the next city agenda. Hall and her neighbors are calling for more transparent economic development approaches, questioning the perceived rush to pass an ordinance and advocating for a thorough assessment of whether a data center is the right fit for the community. An information session about data centers is planned for the public.