By: Jeremy Handle, Staff Writer
jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Woodruff City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that revises the city’s zoning laws to prohibit data centers and crypto mining operations as an approved use within an industrial district zone.
“The council has heard you on the data centers. This ordinance tonight is a strong one,” said Mayor Kenneth Gist to open the public hearing on the ordinance. “It prohibits data centers and crypto mining and does not provide a pathway for them to happen.”
Despite the mayor’s assurance, several area residents spoke out about concerns for a section of the new ordinance that allows for a denied project to appeal the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals, potentially allowing a project a variance around the ban.
Area resident Karin Page Davies expressed that concern as well and accused the city of a lack of transparency by not revealing who is a part of that Board. She also expressed concern that certain industrial projects could pose a danger to the community if they involve certain chemicals or other toxic materials.
Dr. Pamela Miller, who moved to Woodruff for retirement recently, also expressed frustration at the lack of information available via the city’s website and community outreach.
“There is a lack of community engagement on city business and a lack of information on the city website. That breeds distrust,” she said. “I would really like this city to embrace its citizens and ask us to participate and provide feedback.”
Assistant City Manager and Planning Director Brandon McMahan presented the ordinance to the council for its second reading, addressing concerns raised about the appeal process.
“State law requires us to provide a process for appeal,” he told the council. “What was put in for this ordinance is another layer that says if a variance is granted, it would have to come back to this council for approval.”
Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance. Members Toni Sloan and Sharon Kelley were not in attendance.
In other business, the council approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of two new police vehicles for an amount not to exceed $150,000.
During the city manager’s report, Lee Bailey reported to the council that progress on the River Bend Athletic Complex was moving along well and completion is expected in the spring of 2027.
