Peach County citizens take stance against data centers in their backyard during public meeting

BYRON, Ga. — The seats of Byron’s council chambers were filled as numerous citizens of Peach County and Crawford County were in attendance to discuss their concerns for any upcoming plans for the former Camp Benjamin Hawkins during the City of Byron’s June board meeting.

Multiple citizens spoke in opposition to the rumored data center plans citing concerns of how that industry would affect families that live in proximity to the property, naming various concerns, including habitat destruction, environmental pollution, air pollution, light pollution, noise pollution, and higher electricity and water bills for citizens.

Byron resident, Tonya Miller, spoke to the mayor and council citing these concerns as well as providing documentation of petitions against any proposed data center. She asked that the council consider strengthening any ordinance made regarding any heavy industrial project at the Boy Scout property. 

Multiple citizens made their stance clear, they do not want a data center in Byron. Many pointed out that the rumored project would not only affect the residents closest to the property, but the effect would span miles out from the property.

At this time, according to Byron Mayor Michael Chidester, there is no proposed construction on the property. There is also a pending lawsuit against the City of Byron, which Chidester stated meant he and his fellow council members were restricted as to what they could say.

When asked if he was in favor or opposition to a proposed data center, Chidester confirmed that he would be in favor of a data center coming to Byron. 

The property, ErgonX Industrial Park, formerly known as Historic Camp Benjamin Hawkins, on 2251 Boy Scout Road, is a 489.39-acre property the City of Byron has and is attempting to annex. The Peach County portion has been annexed into the City of Byron, whereas the Crawford County portion has not. 

According to the ErgonX Industrial Park page on the Peach County Development’s website, the property, originally zoned for leisure and agriculture, is now zoned for light industrial, with plans to later change it to heavy industrial and industrial support of large-scale manufacturing and distribution. The property is designed for high-impact operations, with favorable topography and heavy utility capacity designed to support energy-intensive industrial users.

Carol Lafferty, a Crawford County resident with property in Byron, stepped forward to question the council if they care about their constituents and community. 

“I want to know that every single one of you sitting up there cares about the rest of us that live in the 31008 district. I know we can’t vote. But, I want you to care about us. I want y’all to think about us, cause I think all of you up there are good men. I want you to really consider this. I asked you the first time I ever came to a meeting, please, consider this seriously. Make those ordinances so tight that they won’t want to come here,” Lafferty said.