Villarrica officials discuss water sourcing and development amid ongoing litigation

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on April 16, 2025, in Villa Rica, Carroll County, focused on critical discussions regarding water supply and infrastructure for a proposed development project. The meeting highlighted the need for water from Carroll County, with officials confirming that the city of Villa Rica would not be supplying water but would provide sewer infrastructure through a development agreement.

Commission members raised questions about the cost of water provision, indicating that Matt Windham from the Carroll County Water Authority would be the appropriate contact for further details. The discussion also touched on the environmental considerations of the project, specifically the potential use of gray water for cooling data centers, which was acknowledged as a cost-effective and sustainable option.

Public comments were a significant part of the meeting, with a structured opportunity for both supporters and opponents of the project to voice their opinions. A resident expressed frustration over the limited time allocated for public comments, questioning the fairness of the process given the complexity of the issues at hand. The resident also raised concerns about ongoing litigation related to the project, arguing that the commission should not proceed with discussions while legal matters remain unresolved.

Another speaker pointed out that the project had previously been approved but was now facing challenges due to a new applicant and existing legal disputes. This speaker emphasized the need for clarity regarding the rezoning process and the implications of the ongoing lawsuit.

The meeting concluded with a call for further public input, as the commission navigates the complexities of the proposed development and its potential impact on the community. The discussions underscored the importance of transparency and thorough consideration of community concerns as the commission moves forward.