Wayne County residents seek information on data centers ahead of city vote

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - More than 100 people gathered at the Cracker Williams Recreation Center Sunday to learn more about data center development and how to make their opinions heard by local officials.

Wayne County and Jesup city leaders have been weighing the pros and cons of data center development. Wayne County Neighbors for Responsible Growth, a grassroots organization formed to address the issue, hosted three panelists with backgrounds in science to give residents information on the topic.

“When you get someone who has actually been out in the field and they’ve actually spoken to people, that’s what I actually want to hear, and that helped me out a lot,” said Sheron Jones-Daniel, a Wayne County resident.

Panelists discuss civic engagement

After the information portion of the meeting, panelists shared ways the community can ensure their opinions are heard by local officials, including influencing ordinances.

“Ultimately being silent and not showing up is your consent for whatever is happening,” said Shannon Gregory, a panelist and Satilla Riverkeeper representative.

Gregory said community engagement and input from residents are important.

“I love to see a packed house because I love to see the community engaged, I like to see the community caring, and I like to see the community input,” Gregory said.

Organizers urged the community to attend city and county meetings and to use public participation opportunities.

“Let them know what their opinions are, or if they just have questions, ask those questions. You don’t know what you don’t know and if you don’t ask you won’t find out,” said Molly Hall, with Wayne County Neighbors for Responsible Growth.

Residents said those who cannot attend every meeting can still contact public officials by phone or email.

“There’s ways to actually interact, even if you can’t be at the meeting to let them know that you are a concerned citizen,” a resident said.

Town hall set for later this month

The Jesup City Council is in the final stages of writing a draft ordinance for data centers. The council will host a town hall at the community center on September 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. The council will vote on the ordinance that night.