Douglas County commissioners deny permit for proposed data center
Douglas County commissioners voted 4-1 to deny a permit for a proposed data center after a public meeting with strong resident opposition and support. The decision follows concerns about natural resources, neighborhood impact, and the economic benefits versus infrastructure needs. Other nearby communities are also considering or extending data center moratoriums.
Douglas County commissioners have voted 4-1 to deny a permit for a proposed data center, following a contentious meeting that saw significant input from both residents opposing and supporting the project. The proposed data center was planned for a site near the Carroll County line, close to Interstate 20.
Opponents raised concerns about sacrificing natural resources, impacting neighborhoods, and the modest, specialized jobs the center might create, with profits flowing to distant corporations. Supporters, conversely, emphasized the financial benefits for the county, arguing it could prevent tax increases. Commissioner Mark Alcarez also highlighted the county's infrastructure needs, particularly roads, and the challenge of funding them without raising taxes.
This decision comes as several data centers already operate in Douglas County and more projects are under consideration. The broader Atlanta area, identified by CBRE as the nation's second-largest data center market, is seeing similar debates, with DeKalb County commissioners recently extending a moratorium on new data center development and the Marietta City Council expected to consider its own moratorium.