Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Datacenters topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents at Athens planning meeting voice opposition to data centers and battery storage
Summary
Multiple residents told the Athens Planning & Zoning Commission they oppose data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS), citing noise, power demand and uncertainty about city standards; commissioners heard comments but took no formal action on data‑center policy.
At the May 4, 2026 meeting of the Athens Planning & Zoning Commission, several residents used the public‑comment period to urge the commission and city staff to reconsider proposals for data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Residents including Janelle Cole of 303 Lovers Ln and Wynn Sloboda of Highpoint Court said they opposed data centers and BESS development in or near Athens, citing community impacts. Calvin Taylor raised questions about enforcement of city standards and zoning regulations. LeAnn Embry said she opposed data centers and BESS and expressed confusion about agenda items; Anne Perryman asked the city to update its noise ordinance and to consider a separate ordinance addressing odors.
Other speakers, including Bobby Tillman of Larue and Heather and Carl Howard of Mill Run Road, described concerns about noise, potential impacts on local employment and increased power demand associated with large data‑center operations.
City staff did not present an agenda item on data centers during the meeting, and the commission did not take action on the issue. The comments were recorded during the public‑communications portion of the agenda for commissioners’ awareness and potential follow‑up with staff.
The commission’s next steps on data centers or BESS were not specified during the meeting; residents requesting ordinance changes or zoning reviews would need to pursue formal agenda placement for future consideration.
