Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Public concern over potential data center development took center stage at the June 16 Gadsden County Commission meeting, with residents raising questions about environmental impacts, water consumption and long-term economic benefits.
While no data center proposal was before the commission, several residents used the public comment portion of the meeting to express concerns about the possibility of such facilities locating in Gadsden County.
Michael Brown said he had heard rumors that data centers could be coming to the county and questioned whether residents support the idea.
“I’ve talked to some people and the people that I talked to don’t like it,” Brown said.
William Farr said data center developers often highlight economic benefits, including tax revenue and jobs, but he questioned whether those benefits outweigh the potential impacts.
“They say it’s going to be a lot of jobs,” Farr said.
Farr said construction projects can create a temporary economic boom, but many permanent positions at data centers require specialized skills and are often filled by workers brought in from outside the area. He also expressed concern about the amount of electricity and water needed to operate the facilities.
“AI is coming. Data centers are going to be built, but what is the cost?” Farr said. “Personally, I don’t think it’s a good trade off.”
LaRae Jemison urged county leaders to consider potential environmental impacts, saying residents cannot afford the air, water and noise pollution she believes data centers could bring.
Jemison cited concerns ranging from emissions generated by backup power systems and increased electricity demand to chemicals in discharge water and around-the-clock operational noise.
Other residents who addressed the commission on the issue included Sallie Dixon, Tom Stratton, Lea Gates, Mac Gates, Lillian Baker and Anthony Viegbesie.
The topic resurfaced later in the meeting during a public hearing on a proposed Future Land Use Map amendment for property at 13480 Pat Thomas Parkway.
County planning staff recommended approval of the amendment with conditions that included construction of a 15-foot berm for noise mitigation, development of a reclamation plan, measures to address runoff concerns and installation of a water pressure station.
Elva Peppers, representing the applicant, addressed the commission and answered questions about the proposal. Property owner Jason Lewis also spoke during the hearing.
Residents Sallie Dixon and Derrick Elias expressed concerns during the public hearing, while Commissioner Ronterious Green noted that he had visited the property before making a motion on the item.
Following discussion, commissioners unanimously approved the land-use amendment.
Although no formal data center proposal was considered during the meeting, the discussion highlighted growing public concern about how potential large-scale industrial developments could affect Gadsden County’s future growth and quality of life.
