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Residents urge caution on proposed data center, citing water use, NDAs and health risks
Summary
Multiple residents told commissioners they fear proposed data‑center development will strain water supplies, introduce contaminants, create low‑frequency noise affecting animals and people, and that nondisclosure agreements and tax abatements mean the public lacks necessary information; speakers urged more transparency and a public forum.
Seven members of the public addressed the commission about a proposed data center and related development. Susan Hughes said she values clear tap water and said she had heard the data center could use "5,000,000 gallons of water a day," warned about nondisclosure agreements and urged the commission not to prioritize money over environmental impacts. Tab White and Robert Pannett called for more transparency, greater public input and a public forum; Pannett specifically asked for clarity about tax abatements and the 300 acres intended for the project.
Chris Mayes presented technical cautions, citing a municipal case study where total dissolved solids (TDS) issues took years to address and a university study linking generator emissions to increased health damages. Several commenters, including Kendra Titus, described proximity concerns about low‑frequency noise and vibration affecting animals and human health. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns; staff said Mayor Zach Clayton is pursuing training and that staff will seek to learn what protections and permit questions to raise with developers and regulators.
