Residents raise concerns about proposed data center near residential areas in Veil Rica

In a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting in Villa Rica, Georgia, community members raised significant concerns regarding proposed developments that could impact local infrastructure and quality of life. The discussions highlighted issues surrounding water usage, traffic congestion, and the potential transformation of residential areas into industrial zones.

Residents voiced their apprehensions about the environmental implications of new data centers, particularly regarding water consumption. One speaker, Brad Hartley, emphasized the staggering figure of one million gallons of water being used daily, questioning where this water would be sourced and how it would affect the local sewer system. Hartley pointed out that the infrastructure needed to support such developments, including permits for crossing major highways and railroads, remains unclear.

Concerns about wetlands and floodplains were also prominent in the discussions. Hartley criticized the planning reports for omitting critical data about local wetlands, arguing that the software used to assess flood risks does not adequately account for these sensitive areas. He presented evidence of existing floodplains and urged the commission to consider the ecological ramifications of the proposed projects.

Traffic issues were another focal point, with residents expressing worries about increased congestion from construction vehicles and heavy machinery. Hartley illustrated this concern with a photograph showing school buses navigating narrow roads, highlighting the potential dangers of mixing school traffic with construction activities. He questioned the adequacy of current road infrastructure to handle the anticipated influx of construction and industrial traffic.

Another resident, Jennifer Ingram, echoed these sentiments, warning that approving the developments without a detailed site plan would effectively grant developers a "blank check" to proceed without accountability. Ingram also raised concerns about the reliability of local utilities, citing past power outages that have affected residents.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development and community needs in Villa Rica. As the Planning & Zoning Commission considers these proposals, the voices of concerned residents reflect a desire for transparency and thorough planning to ensure that growth does not come at the expense of the community's well-being. The commission's next steps will be crucial in addressing these issues and balancing development with the needs of local residents.