Jones County residents file lawsuit challenging M-2 data center ordinance

Plaintiffs ask court to declare January 16 ordinance void, alleging due process violations

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Residents in Jones County have filed a declaratory action challenging the M-2 Data Center Ordinance passed earlier this year on January 16.

According to the plaintiffs’ attorney, the lawsuit asks the court to declare the ordinance void. The plaintiffs accuse Jones County of violating the Georgia Zoning Procedures Law, the county’s own Comprehensive Land Development Resolution, and constitutional due process protections.

Residents claim they were denied a meaningful opportunity to be heard and claim the hearings were “shams” meant to approve a pre-determined outcome. Concerns about due process were raised during the January 16 meeting before commissioners voted unanimously five to zero.

“I don’t feel that our due process is being fulfilled,” resident Alexandra Lefholz said during the meeting. “I don’t think citizen participation has been meaningful. It has not been in a meaningful time or a meaningful way.”

On January 9, Lefholz told 41NBC she felt the process was being rushed.

The lawsuit also outlines the timeline of data center discussions beginning in March 2025 and references a previously rescinded ordinance before the current M-2 ordinance was adopted.

In addition to procedural concerns, plaintiffs cite potential impacts to nearby residents, including noise and possible groundwater effects in and around the Griswoldville Industrial Park.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to render the ordinance void.

Stay with 41NBC for updates as the case moves forward.