Residents of Henry County voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding the proposed development of a large data center on Highway 20. Richard Monroe, a local resident, expressed concerns about the project's impact on traffic congestion, citing existing issues on the highway and questioning the accuracy of employment figures presented by developers. He emphasized that while the facility may directly employ 25 individuals, the actual number of people involved, including contractors and maintenance staff, could be significantly higher, exacerbating traffic problems.

Anne Fields, another resident, criticized the project for its potential environmental impact, highlighting issues such as water consumption, noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with data centers. She urged officials to adhere to the county's long-term planning framework, which she argued was not merely a suggestion but a solidified plan voted on by the community. Fields also pointed out the lack of infrastructure to support the data center, including competitive internet access, and called for a more comprehensive discussion on pollution control and noise abatement.

Connie Snow, a member of the local advocacy group Conserv Henry, echoed Fields' sentiments, stressing that the projected employment figures do not account for the numerous companies that would utilize the data center, leading to increased traffic. She also highlighted the pressing issue of failing schools in the area, urging officials to consider the broader implications of such developments on the community's quality of life.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, as well as the need for thorough discussions on infrastructure and community impact before proceeding with large-scale projects.