The Planning Advisory Commission approved a request to amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to create a technology overlay district with a condition this morning. The commission makes recommendations to city council whether to approve or deny development and rezoning requests.
The Technology Overlay District could become home to Project Ruby a proposed hyperscale data center in the Upatoi area of Muscogee County. Several members of the public were allowed the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter. Most opposed the ordinance to create a technology overlay district.
Several opponents live in the neighborhood affected by the ordinance and cited noise concerns noting that noise penalties at $1000 per day was not appropriate. John Van Doorn who is running for the at large seat on city council told the commission “A thousand dollars is lunch money for these corporations.”
“Let’s slow down this freight train,” Van Doorn said to give the public an opportunity to be fully informed about the process. He suggested a moratorium for the ordinance at least until after the May 19th election when every councilor who will vote on the matter will have been elected by their constituents rather than appointed.
Another citizen George McDowell told the commissioners “The overlay district is a signal to investors and tech companies that the city is open for business before the public fully understands the long-term trade off. So, with that being said who profits and who benefits? Are we trading land and local resources for a limited return?”
Greg Foster appeared before city council and again this morning in front of the planning advisory commission to express support for the ordinance and proposed data center. Foster said it was “pure selfishness” for neighbors of the project to oppose it noting it was an opportunity for the city to make a lot of money that would benefit schools and the underserved in the community.
After some discussion and initial failure to get a motion in favor of the amended ordinance the commission voted in favor with the condition of a 500-foot buffer. The commission can make recommendations to council but ultimately city council votes whether to approve or deny requests related to the technology overlay district and proposed data center.
