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Residents raise concerns about data‑center growth, trees and planning at Columbia County meeting
Summary
Multiple public commenters criticized Columbia County’s approach to data‑center development, raised environmental and traffic concerns, and urged better public engagement and preservation of the Uchee Creek Greenway and tree canopy; one commenter noted transformer and supply‑chain issues tied to large data‑center builds.
Several residents used the public comment period at the April 21 Columbia County meeting to question the county’s data‑center strategy, to urge preservation of trees and greenways, and to ask for clearer communication and planning.
Susan Warren warned of market and supply‑chain risks tied to massive data‑center investment and called out recent reporting that private credit funds face heavy redemptions in technology‑focused funds. "There is not enough domestic capacity to go around," she said, linking transformer and electrical equipment shortages to delays and cancellations of some planned data‑center projects.
Marlena Bergeron, who identified herself as a Sierra Club member and master gardener, criticized county decision‑making and public engagement around data‑center siting. Bergeron highlighted tree loss along the Uchee Creek Greenway and said residents were not adequately consulted before purchase and rezoning decisions: "You invite us to collaborate with making the county great, and then you ignore everything we say," she told commissioners. Bergeron urged preservation of green spaces and stronger outreach to affected neighborhoods.
Other public commenters praised recent county steps — including approval of MAT treatment contracts and expanded nonprofit access to the Hardin Auditorium — but urged more transparency and scheduling that allows broader public participation.
What happens next: The comments were recorded in the meeting record; they do not change the immediate approvals taken by the board. Residents seeking formal review or policy changes would need to request agenda items or follow up with county planning staff.
