Augusta Residents Raise Concerns Over Planned Data Center

QTS presents $2 billion data center project that caught nearby neighborhoods by surprise

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Residents of the Hayne's Station and Captain's Corner neighborhoods in west Augusta have raised concerns about a planned $2 billion data center project by QTS that they say came as a shock, as the development would be located directly behind their homes. City leaders have pledged to hold a community meeting to address the neighbors' worries about the potential impacts on property values, noise, power/water usage, and environmental issues.

Why it matters

Data centers have become more common in recent years, often drawing complaints from nearby residents about their potential negative impacts. This case highlights the tensions that can arise when large-scale commercial developments are planned in close proximity to established residential areas without adequate community engagement.

The details

QTS, the company behind the planned data center, presented the $2 billion project to the Augusta Commission, stating it would create 160-220 local jobs. A smaller version of the center was previously proposed by a different company a few years ago, but the current larger-scale plan was not widely reported, catching the neighboring Hayne's Station and Captain's Corner communities off guard. Residents are concerned about potential issues like power/water usage, noise, diesel fumes, and declining home values.

  • A few years ago, a smaller data center was proposed for the site by a company called T5.
  • In the years since, the Hayne's Station and Captain's Corner neighborhoods have grown up around the site.
  • The current $2 billion data center plan by QTS was recently presented to the Augusta Commission.
  • A community meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2026 to address residents' concerns.

The players

QTS

The company behind the planned $2 billion data center project in west Augusta.

Catherine Smith McKnight

An Augusta Commissioner who pledged to hold a community meeting with residents about the data center plan.

Garnett Johnson

The Mayor of Augusta who also pledged to hold a community meeting with residents about the data center plan.

Hayne's Station

A residential neighborhood in west Augusta that borders the planned data center site.

Captain's Corner

A residential neighborhood in west Augusta that also borders the planned data center site.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold a transparent and comprehensive discussion about this project.”

— Hayne's Station Residents (wrdw.com)

What’s next

The promised community meeting is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on February 11, 2026 at Bel Air Elementary School, where residents will hear directly from the proposed data center developer as well as city officials.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between large-scale commercial developments and established residential neighborhoods, underscoring the need for robust community engagement and transparency when planning projects that could significantly impact nearby residents.