Residents press council on river litter and data‑center impacts; nonprofit leader seeks formal response to community audit

Multiple citizens used the 'Citizens to be Heard' portion of the Feb. 5 Valdosta Mayor and Council meeting to raise environmental and community‑development concerns.

Bobby (identified in remarks) described persistent trash along a stormwater path that he said carries litter into the Withlacoochee River, called for enforcement of existing trash‑can ordinances for large properties (he cited the mall and a nearby abandoned homeless camp on James Road), and urged the city to proactively stop trash at its sources. He said past reports to code enforcement produced limited results and asked council to enforce rules consistently.

Michael (speaker 5) invited council members and the public to a panel discussion on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Student Union Theater on data‑center construction impacts, including water and electricity use, noise and impacts on nearby home values. He said two experts would present and a flyer and email invitation would be distributed.

Maria Chung Willoughby said she conducted a 12‑month regional 'infrastructure and security' audit focusing on people, policies and practices and asserted it identified systemic vulnerabilities that diminish program outcomes and harm marginalized residents. She said her organization Growth (moving "goals to growth") is seeking collaboration and formal response from council and noted she had re‑submitted detailed findings to the council by email.

No formal council action on these items was recorded in the meeting; the mayor thanked speakers and noted the city’s policy for three‑minute public comments.