Residents urge third‑party health and environmental study before lifting DeKalb data‑center moratorium

Community members used public comment at the Aug. 25 DeKalb County commission meeting to press for an independent third-party health and environmental impact study focused on neighborhoods proposed for data center construction, and the board deferred formal action to Sept. 15.

Rosalyn McIntyre, speaking during public comment, urged commissioners to adopt a narrowly scoped text amendment and to “approve and fund an independent 3rd party data center health and environmental impact study” limited to communities that would be directly affected. She argued a countywide study would dilute localized impacts and cited other municipalities where community concerns and legal actions followed rapid data-center build-outs.

Several other speakers, including Steven Benny, raised allegations about developer influence and campaign contributions tied to a contested project owned by Shadowbox Studios. Commissioners and staff acknowledged the complaints while emphasizing the moratorium and committee process would be used to collect technical evidence. The board voted to defer resolution 2026-0244 to Sept. 15 with committee consideration, leaving open further discussion about scope, vendor selection and study funding.

County staff and commissioners said the moratorium provides time to identify independent vendors and define the study’s geographic and technical scope. Advocates who urged the study said they expect the board to use findings to inform a text amendment and to shape any moratorium extension or lifting decision.