Jackson hosts public forum on data centers amid community concerns

The Jackson Planning and Development Department held a public forum Friday to discuss data centers amid ongoing debate over a proposed project in the city. About 30 residents attended the session, which was announced just two days prior, leaving some community members questioning the short notice.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn opened the meeting by emphasizing the goal of the forum: to educate residents and gauge community interest in hosting data centers. He asked whether residents supported the projects and under what conditions.

The hour-and-a-half session included discussions on what data centers and artificial intelligence are, potential job creation, and how communities can maximize benefits from such developments. Panelists included Nashlie Sephus, founder of the Bean Path; James Lott, Ward 6 alderman in Clinton; and Natasha Parker of Georgia Tech. The event was moderated by attorneys from Butler Snow, the city’s outside counsel on public finance.

Attendees submitted questions in writing, some of which were answered during the forum. When asked if anyone learned something new, some participants said yes, but others expressed frustration over limited time for follow-up questions and skepticism about the event’s neutrality.

Community members voiced concerns about the rapid proliferation of data centers across Mississippi and the country. The proposed Jackson project involves rezoning 230 acres of mostly undeveloped land, including a small farm, from residential and commercial use to heavy industrial zoning. Developer Saxum Investment Company, based in New Jersey, requested the rezoning.

In May, Ward 4 Council Member Brian Grizzell proposed a six-month moratorium on data-center permits to study environmental, noise, and infrastructure impacts. The city council debated the proposal but ultimately tabled it to clarify legal considerations, as the moratorium could require a public hearing and additional notice.

Shortly after, the developer postponed a zoning hearing scheduled before the Planning Board. The board is set to revisit the rezoning application during its June 24 meeting, amid continued opposition from community members.

Tray Hairston, an attorney with Butler Snow, who served as moderator, also serves on the board of Deep South Today, the parent company of Mississippi Today.

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