Mayor breaks tie as Statesboro council approves Burkhalter Road rezoning
The Statesboro City Council approved a controversial rezoning for a 26-acre property on Burkhalter Road, allowing developers to pursue plans for a data center. Mayor Jonathan McCollar cast the tie-breaking vote amidst strong public opposition citing concerns over property values, water, noise, and traffic. This approval is only a preliminary step; a special use permit will still be required for actual data center construction.
The Statesboro City Council, with Mayor Jonathan McCollar casting a tie-breaking vote, narrowly approved a contentious rezoning request on August 18, 2026, for a 26.49-acre property on Burkhalter Road. The decision changes the zoning from R-4 high-density residential to Office and Business, a crucial step for developers, 4M Development LLC, to continue their plans for a data center.
The council meeting was marked by strong public opposition, with numerous residents and representatives from Ogeechee Riverkeeper challenging the project. Concerns raised included potential negative impacts on property values, increased water and electrical usage, noise pollution, traffic congestion, and the general incompatibility of a data center with the surrounding residential developments.
City officials, including City Manager Charles Penny and City Planning and Development Director Justin Williams, clarified that the rezoning approval does not grant final authorization for a data center. Under Statesboro's recently adopted technological facilities ordinance, any data center project would still require a special use permit, necessitating a separate application and another review by the City Council. This subsequent process would involve specific requirements, such as a water management plan, noise study, and connection to municipal utilities, which developers would need to address before construction could proceed.