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AUGUSTA, Ga. – As discussions about a new data center continue to stir debate, a soon-to-be mother voiced her concerns at a community meeting on Wednesday. Her worries center around the potential impact the development could have on the health of her unborn child, particularly in neighborhoods like Haynes Station and Captain’s Corner.
“With my due date just two months away, I’m deeply concerned about how this might affect my son’s developing lungs,” she expressed during the gathering. “I also worry about the safety of the water I’ll use for his formula.”
The meeting, held at Belair Elementary, became a platform for residents to share their apprehensions regarding air quality, noise, emissions from generators, and the data center’s close proximity to residential areas. Specifically, some residents in Haynes Station noted that the closest homes would be a mere 350 feet from the proposed location.
Dr. Zakiya Mabrey, a resident of Haynes Station, highlighted the site’s proximity by mentioning that she could easily walk to the data center from her home.
Dr. Zakiya Mabrey, who lives in Haynes Station, says she would be able to walk to the data center.
“It’s going to be very close,” Mabrey said.
“They need to consider there are a lot of veterans in our community, and veterans suffer PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, a lot of different things.”
Several residents said they were caught off guard by how quickly the project appeared to move forward, claiming communication has been limited.
Augusta Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle says he talked to Quality Technology Services (QTS), a data center provider with corporate headquarters Kansas and operational headquarters in Northern Virginia, is considering ways to reduce impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The provider also has key offices and locations in fourteen other states, including Georgia and South Carolina.
“Since we have 350 feet, why don’t we put trees and shrubbery where you cannot see the data center from the neighborhood?” said Guilfoyle.
“It will block the sound and some of the smell from the generators.”
Mayor Garnett Johnson says another meeting—likely in May—will give the city an opportunity to share more detailed site plans and updates.
“It gives us another opportunity to engage with the neighbors,” Johnson said.
Neighbors still feel their questions aren’t being answered.
Even with promises of more outreach, neighbors say many of their concerns remain unresolved.
“We want our voice to be heard—not just heard, but also maybe implement some change behind that,” continued Mabrey.
“Most of the questions that were asked didn’t have an answer. That’s a problem.”
City leaders say they have been observing how Columbia County has approached its own data center debates and are taking notes on ways to improve communication and planning.
As the proposal moves forward, neighbors say they will continue pressing for clarity and accountability in the months ahead.