During a recent DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting, community concerns regarding a proposed data center development took center stage. Residents from the East Sidewalk enclave, located off Bouldercrest Road, voiced strong opposition to the project, highlighting potential negative impacts on their neighborhood.

A representative of the community, a mother of two, articulated the fears shared by many residents. She emphasized that the data center could disrupt the family-oriented environment they have worked hard to cultivate. The speaker expressed that the vision for their homes was to create a lasting space for their children, and the introduction of a data center could jeopardize that dream.

Concerns were raised about the environmental implications of the data center, including potential contamination of local water sources and air quality. The speaker referenced reports indicating that data centers can leak waste from batteries and diesel engines, which could pose long-term risks to the health of residents and their children.

Additionally, the community fears that the data center could lead to decreased property values, increased noise, and heightened traffic in the area. These factors could undermine the positive developments that residents have strived to achieve, including efforts to reduce crime and enhance neighborhood safety.

The meeting underscored the importance of community voices in local governance, as residents called for regulations to prohibit the construction of the data center. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between development and community preservation, raising questions about how local government will balance economic growth with the needs and concerns of its residents. As the Board of Commissioners considers the proposal, the outcome will significantly impact the future of the East Sidewalk community and its residents.