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League of Women Voters and residents press for clearer notice and policy on proposed Augusta data centers
Summary
League of Women Voters co‑president Gayla Casey and resident Zakiyia Mabberry asked the commission for documentation of public notice, a formal data‑center policy, and a schedule for promised follow‑up meetings after residents said they learned of projects late in the process.
Residents and civic advocates pressed the commission May 5 for clearer notice and a formal policy to govern data center proposals after community members said they learned late of proposed facilities near Haines Station and Captain's Corner.
Gayla Casey, co‑president of the League of Women Voters of the CSR, said residents were told on Feb. 11 to expect more information, a formal policy and another public meeting; she asked where those deliverables are and when the next public meeting will be scheduled with 15–30 days' notice so working residents can attend. Casey said signage was placed where few residents live and asked how notice was documented and made accessible.
Zakiya Mabberry asked for a status update on ordinance changes discussed in March planning and zoning and said the law department was reviewing rules of procedure and proposed updates would be submitted to the commission cycle; Attorney Plunkett confirmed the review and said deliverables were in queue for possible commission discussion on May 12 or 26. Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice told speakers a follow‑up meeting would be scheduled after the election and that the parties working on a meeting would coordinate.
Commissioners and staff confirmed the law department is reviewing public comment rules and that some procedural redlines have been prepared. No final policy or meeting date was announced at the session; commissioners agreed to coordinate and provide notice to the resident organizers.
Why it matters: residents described uneven notification and said scope changes for data center proposals have allowed projects to proceed without clear, broadly accessible public notice. The commission confirmed there are ongoing reviews and committed to follow up with dates and redline drafts.
