TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA) — JEFFERSONVILLE, Ga. — Julia Asherman, owner of Rag and Frass Farm, is raising concerns about a proposed rezoning of 30 acres on Adams Park Road from agricultural to commercial use for the development of Pine Ridge Technology Park, a data center. Asherman, who has been farming in the area for 14 years, emphasized the importance of preserving the land.

"The development pressure, whether it was going to be a data center or just a bunch of pavements with no infrastructure at all; it still is a permanent loss of farmland," Asherman said as she spoke with WGXA News on Friday.

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"This is precious," she said, highlighting the historical significance of the area. "I think there is something special about this place. I definitely think there is something historic here. We find a lot of artifacts."

The decision to approve or deny the rezoning request now rests with the county commissioners. Meanwhile, the state's Department of Community Affairs is proposing new rules requiring developers to disclose energy and water needs, among other factors.

"The data center has minimized all of the impacts," said Asherman, referencing a two-page document previously found on the county's website. However, she expressed skepticism about the project's estimated water usage of 11,250 gallons per day, questioning the adequacy of the information provided.

"It's hard for me to believe how that could be," she said. "Whether it's evaporative, or non-evaporative, you're going to use a significant amount of water."

Asherman also raised concerns about the financial implications of such developments, noting that they are often presented as sources of tax revenue but may receive significant tax abatements.

"Developments are sold to us as being a source of tax revenue, but a lot of those bigger opportunities got a lot of tax abatements," she said. "What's to be gained by rushing a heavy decision?"

WGXA News has filed a Freedom of Information request with the county to learn more about the plans for the data center, as well as what communication the county has with Eaglerock Partners, one of the companies behind these plans.

On Friday, Twiggs County posted an official public notice of four Q&A sessions on the proposed data center development. Two will be held on Tuesday, and another two on Wednesday. The times for each will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.