The City of Calhoun is inviting residents to participate in two upcoming public information sessions focused on data center development, giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the potential impacts of digital infrastructure projects.
The city, in partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Center for Economic Development Research, will host the interactive sessions on November 17 and December 9 at the Calhoun Depot, located at 109 South King Street.
Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m.
The sessions are designed to provide residents with information about data center development while allowing community members to share concerns, ask questions, and participate in discussions about potential future projects.
The first session, scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, will focus on community priorities and feature a panel of subject-matter experts.
Panelists will discuss several topics surrounding data center development, including economic impacts, water usage, noise concerns, and employment opportunities.
The session will also provide evidence-based answers to questions from residents, helping the community better understand the potential benefits and challenges associated with digital infrastructure facilities.
The second session, scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, will build on those discussions by focusing on site planning and potential agreements between developers and surrounding communities.
Participants will explore site visioning and so-called “good neighbor agreements,” which could establish expectations and requirements for future developments.
The meetings come as Calhoun continues evaluating how data centers should be regulated within the city.
City officials previously clarified that a proposed Technology District included in an earlier draft of the city’s zoning ordinance was removed before the ordinance was adopted.
The city said the provision was removed to allow additional time to study potential regulations related to data centers.
Calhoun has since partnered with Georgia Tech through its Digital First Community Program to assist with evaluating and developing appropriate regulations.
The upcoming sessions represent another step in that process, allowing residents to provide input as city leaders consider how future data center developments should be addressed.
Both meetings will take place at the Calhoun Depot, 109 South King Street, beginning at 7 p.m. on November 17 and December 9.
Residents interested in learning more about data centers and their potential impact on Calhoun are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions.