BYRON, Ga. (WGXA) — Byron Mayor Michael Chidester and city councilors presented an updated ordinance proposal on Monday evening, outlining requirements for a data center if one were to come to town. Georgia Power officials and other data center stakeholders from across the state attended the meeting along with dozens of Byron residents who came in opposition to data centers entirely. "We're looking at this as a low-impact, low-sound, high-quality business that will pay dividends for years and years and years to come," said Mayor Chidester. "I hope to God I'm around for some y'all to come back and say Damn, you know, I'm glad you did it." The ordinance set water usage, noise, design, and energy standards. The 11-page document states that a data center must be at least 500 feet from any residential property, 1000 from public schools, places of worship, and hospitals, and can't exceed 75 decibels over any 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., or it would be subject to fines. Despite expert help and further action to be taken before any data center is confirmed, residents say they continue to feel unsafe and dissatisfied with their city officials' decision. One resident, Alicia Scott, was not sold on the data center or on Mayor Chidester's tone in the meeting. "That mayor just already, it's almost like it's signed, sealed and delivered," said Scott. "Because if you don't want input from the folks in terms of writing the ordinances and showing up certain things, it sounds like he's a…
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