Byron residents raise concerns over proposed data center ordinance

Residents question the proposed data center’s potential impacts on noise, water, infrastructure and the surrounding community.

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Residents near Boy Scout Road in Byron are raising concerns about a proposed data center and whether the city is doing enough to address potential impacts on the surrounding community.

Monday night, residents had the opportunity to question city leaders about an ordinance that would regulate the proposed project.

The ordinance includes a 200 acre minimum site requirement, a 500 foot setback from existing homes and a 1,000 foot setback from schools, places of worship and hospitals.

It also addresses issues including noise, water use and infrastructure.

But some residents say they left the meeting with more questions than answers.

Alicia Scott, who lives near Boy Scout Road, criticized the way the meeting was handled.

“The entire thing was predetermined, right, and because of that he was in a defensive posture and I don’t think that’s how you deal with your constituents.”

Deania Moody, who lives on property bordering Boy Scout Road, said she remains concerned about the potential environmental impacts of the project.

“We’re concerned with the water table being polluted, with the noise level, how they’re going to mitigate noise, and none of that was addressed really tonight.”

Moody said she felt the language in the proposed ordinance was too vague to fully address those concerns.

Scott and Moody say they want the city to take more time to research the potential impacts before moving forward.

Monday night’s meeting was for discussion and public input.

The Byron City Council plans to vote on the proposed ordinance Monday, September 14.