Residents press Franklin County commissioners to delay data-center approvals and force developer town halls

Dozens of Franklin County residents urged commissioners on May 12 to postpone substantive action on proposed hyperscale data centers until after formal public testimony, demanded that developers meet the community in open town halls, and pressed the county to require stronger environmental and financial guarantees for cleanup and decommissioning.

At a packed public-comment period, speakers repeatedly asked commissioners to compel the two out-of-state developers to face residents and answer questions in person. Corbett Shannon told the panel, “Require that Mr. Bakis and Mr. Sanders stand before the people of this county,” and warned that accepting proposals without developer engagement would sacrifice public trust. Shannon framed the controversy as a choice between short-term revenue and long-term community stewardship.

Why it matters: The proposals would require zoning or permit changes and are now scheduled for formal testimony at a public hearing on May 18. Residents said the county should not treat developer claims about jobs and tax revenue as settled facts and asked for independent environmental review, clearer tax-and-incentive details, and public town halls before any approvals.

Several commenters tied the data-center debate to a separate local environmental issue, arguing the county lacks a credible process to ensure developers bear long-term cleanup costs. Twila Ashworth urged the panel to “mandate environmental impact studies by proper authorities free of political and developer influence,” and other speakers asked the commission to seek bonds or trust funds that would protect taxpayers if a project fails or a site later requires remediation.

Commission response: Commissioners repeatedly told the room they will not prejudge matters before the May 18 hearing. Commissioner Cox said, “I’m not going to prejudice myself until I hear all the testimony from the people,” and indicated he would participate in town halls after the formal testimony is taken. County counsel told the audience the county can invite developers to town halls but generally cannot compel private entities to attend outside of required public hearings.

Developers and transparency: Residents named two primary developer groups during public comment (referred to in the record as Provident and Beltline) and asked the commission to require them to answer direct questions about water, wildlife, noise, property values and local hiring. Speakers also criticized letters and website statements from company representatives that called community concerns "misinformation." The record contains inconsistent spellings for one company representative (appearing as “Bakis” and “Bakus”); the transcript reflects both variants.

What's next: Commissioners said they will take testimony at the May 18 hearing, then review evidence and consider town halls or additional meetings afterwards. The public repeatedly requested more accessible sign-up options and additional hearings at times that accommodate farmers, workers and families.

Ending: The commission did not take a vote on data-center approvals at this meeting; the matter is scheduled for public testimony on May 18 and may return to the commission for deliberation after that hearing.