Resident says planned data center near Cedar Grove blindsided neighbors, raises health and traffic concerns

A Clayton County resident asked the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to explain why neighbors were not notified about a data center project he says is being built less than a quarter‑mile from his home.

Ron Robinson, who identified himself as living at 2785 Oldfield Road in the Elmwood area, said he learned through an adjacent neighborhood association that a data center of more than one million square feet was proposed close to his house. He told the board he was concerned about potential radiation exposure, light and noise pollution, and increased vehicle traffic given the center’s only proposed access is on Oldfield Road.

“I was blindsided about this project,” Robinson said in public comment, asking the county to explain why residents closest to the site had not been notified and to identify the correct process for public notice in such cases.

Commissioners acknowledged the comment and said staff would record it and ensure the concern was routed to planning staff for follow up. The county did not take immediate action or vote on the matter at the meeting; staff recommended a project review and promised to respond with information on public‑notice procedures and any public‑engagement steps taken or planned.

Robinson urged the board not to dismiss the concerns as an out‑of‑county project and to provide an explanation to those most likely to be affected.