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Peachtree City Council Member Addresses Misinformation on Social Media Regarding Development Plans
A prominent Peachtree City Council Member has taken unprecedented steps to combat what he describes as a wave of misinformation circulating on social media regarding the city’s development plans. Councilman Clint Holland expressed disappointment that official city statements released last week failed to quell rumors, and instead appear to have intensified online discussions.
“I’m saddened that I need to set the record straight on the many incorrect posts currently on social media about Peachtree City,” Holland stated. “The talk of annexation, data centers, water use, and related issues have me seriously concerned that most people posting don’t have accurate information.”
Holland’s primary concern centers around discussions of a potential annexation study, which he clarified has been part of his public platform since his initial 2022 campaign. The study, which was officially put out for proposals on April 7, 2025, aims to evaluate industrial and commercial land expansion possibilities—not residential growth.
“Peachtree City is largely built out,” Holland explained. “If we want to attract high-quality employers and strengthen our tax base without burdening residents, we must evaluate whether appropriate industrial land exists in Fayette County.”
The councilman emphasized that his support has consistently been for industrial and commercial annexation to attract businesses seeking the quality of life Peachtree City offers. He stressed that the annexation study represents a long-planned policy evaluation rather than a response to any specific project, contrary to suggestions appearing online.
Addressing rumors about potential expansion into neighboring Coweta County, Holland cited Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. § 36-36-23(b)), which requires county approval for cross-border annexations. “Coweta County is not interested in anyone annexing their land,” Holland stated definitively, calling such speculation “unrealistic” given the legal requirements.
Perhaps most forcefully, Holland refuted claims about data center developments. “I can personally tell you that I have never ever talked to any data center company, recruiters, site selectors, or anyone representing data centers that wanted to come to PTC,” he insisted. While acknowledging conversations with the Fayette County Development Authority about light industrial companies potentially coming to Peachtree City, Holland characterized social media claims about data centers as “pure conjecture.”
Drawing on his 45-year career as a chemical and environmental engineer, Holland also addressed water usage concerns. He explained that while large construction projects temporarily consume significant water volumes, permanent facilities typically use much less once operational. He noted that QTS construction site—which has become a focal point of local discussion—currently hosts approximately 3,000 workers daily, creating substantial temporary water demands.
“I’ve been told by people that I trust that when the 600+ acre site is completely built out, the entire facility will use no more than what is used by 6 residential households daily,” Holland stated, contrasting this with Peachtree City’s approximately 12,500 residential units using roughly 1.25 million gallons daily.
In a personal aside, Holland expressed frustration about his image appearing on fellow politician James Clifton’s campaign website without permission, calling it disrespectful and saying it falsely implies his support.
The councilman concluded with a plea for fact-based discourse. “Peachtree City deserves informed discussion grounded in verifiable facts—not assumptions or speculation presented as certainty,” Holland said. “Please post only facts that are true and can be corroborated, and don’t make things up without reliable, verifiable, and trusted sources.”
The situation highlights growing tensions between traditional government communications and social media discourse, particularly around sensitive development issues in communities balancing growth pressures with quality-of-life concerns. As Peachtree City navigates these challenges, the accuracy of information circulating among residents remains a critical factor in building community consensus.
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16 Comments
I appreciate the council member’s transparency in setting the record straight on the city’s development plans. Addressing misinformation is an important responsibility for local leaders.
The details around the annexation study and focus on commercial/industrial rather than residential expansion seem reasonable. Maintaining a community’s character while enabling economic growth is challenging.
Agreed, it’s a delicate balance that requires open communication and consideration of all stakeholders’ interests.
It’s good to see the council member taking proactive steps to combat misinformation on social media. Providing accurate information directly from the source is crucial.
Interesting to see Peachtree City officials addressing misinformation directly. Transparency and setting the record straight is important, especially around development plans that can impact a community.
Agreed, misinformation can quickly escalate online. It’s good the council member is proactively clarifying the facts.
The focus on commercial and industrial expansion rather than residential growth seems like a reasonable strategy for a largely built-out community like Peachtree City. Balanced development is key.
Agreed, maintaining a community’s character while enabling economic opportunities is a delicate balance that requires careful planning.
Kudos to the council member for addressing misinformation head-on. Social media can be a breeding ground for rumors, so setting the record straight is important.
The annexation study to evaluate commercial and industrial expansion opportunities seems like a prudent step for Peachtree City. Thoughtful planning is key for sustainable growth.
Yes, a well-considered approach to development is critical, especially in a largely built-out community. Balancing priorities takes diligence.
The potential annexation study to evaluate commercial and industrial expansion opportunities makes sense if Peachtree City is largely built out. Thoughtful planning is key for sustainable growth.
Yes, a careful, fact-based approach to managing development is prudent. Avoiding knee-jerk reactions to online rumors is important.
Glad to see the council member addressing residents’ concerns head-on. Social media can amplify rumors, so clearing up misinformation with facts is crucial.
The potential annexation study to evaluate commercial/industrial expansion seems prudent if Peachtree City is largely built out. Carefully managing growth is key for a community’s future.
Yes, a thoughtful approach to commercial/industrial development is important, rather than just residential growth. Balancing priorities takes diligence.