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Residents urge Carroll County to require independent ecological reviews as data center proposals advance
Summary
Multiple residents at the May 5 meeting asked commissioners for independent ecological surveys and more accessible public engagement as data center rezoning and annexation discussions continue; organizers proposed a public dialogue for June 14.
Several Carroll County residents used the public-comment period on May 5 to press county leaders for stronger ecological review and more inclusive public engagement as data-center proposals and related annexations move forward.
Ellen Feather (43 Riveredge Drive) asked whether ecological surveys for areas being considered for industrial rezoning are performed by independent third-party biologists and requested that documentation of aquatic life — mollusks, newts and plant species — be disclosed publicly. "Who's doing the surveys? Is it a third-party survey? Is it a quality survey?" Feather asked, saying rushed or nonindependent surveys can obscure environmental impacts.
Other commenters described continuing frustration with local development processes. Gabriel Eisen (381 Harrison Road) recounted a decade of community resistance to developments he considers harmful and urged residents, experts and politicians to be bolder in opposing projects they believe will harm water and property. "I don't want data centers in my backyard ... because they use up all the electricity and poison the water," Eisen said.
Paul Feather, a local farmer, said turnout at hearings is uneven and proposed a weekend dialogue on June 14 so residents can share concerns in a less intimidating setting; he said Commissioner Bailey expressed some willingness to attend. "I think it would happen more easily if there was opportunity for dialogue," he said.
Other speakers raised similar concerns about groundwater, farmland and the siting of large facilities near residential areas. A resident identifying only as Claude said such projects could "pull our natural water from the ground, dry out our soil and our farm land." Mayor Leslie McPherson of Villa Rica said she listens to both sides and stressed the need to protect ratepayers and water availability when facilities are sited.
No formal county action on data centers occurred at the meeting; comments were advisory. Commissioners noted limits to county authority in annexation matters and that some siting decisions may involve municipalities. The public speakers asked for clearer, independent environmental information and more accessible opportunities for community dialogue as decisions proceed.
What happens next: residents said they plan to organize a dialogue for June 14; individuals may also follow Villa Rica's May 12 council meeting for annexation and zoning developments affecting the same areas.
Provenance: speakers included Ellen Feather (SEG 217–276), Gabriel Eisen (SEG 277–367), Paul Feather (SEG 368–446) and Leslie McPherson (SEG 483–533).
