Statesboro council approves data centers ordinance after hearing opposed citizens
The Statesboro City Council approved a new ordinance, by a 3-1 vote, to allow data centers up to 50 acres each in specific zones, requiring a special permit. This decision came after a public hearing where several citizens expressed strong opposition to data centers. The ordinance includes requirements for closed-loop cooling systems, city water connections, noise limits, and an economic impact report.
The Statesboro City Council voted 3-1 to approve an ordinance regulating data center development within city limits, despite significant public opposition. The new measure allows data centers up to 50 acres in specific zoning districts, requiring a special permit for each project. Requirements include a closed-loop cooling system, city water and wastewater connections, adherence to ambient noise limits (around 50 decibels), an economic impact report, and a decommissioning plan.
This approved ordinance represents a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal, which initially considered “hyperscale” facilities up to 200 acres. Planning and Development Director Justin Williams confirmed that the current ordinance eliminates hyperscale centers, capping maximum size at 50 acres, and incorporates more robust sound study requirements and environmental standards, such as bioswales, some of which were suggested by the city’s Greener Boro Commission.
During the public hearing, citizens voiced a range of concerns. Local business owner Noel Burnsed questioned the need for an ordinance without a specific data center proposal. Resident Stephen McDaniel expressed skepticism about the process's transparency and infrastructure cost claims, which Mayor Jonathan McCollar refuted, stating developers are responsible for their own infrastructure costs. Kiki Cannon, a District 1 resident, vehemently opposed the ordinance, calling data centers and generative AI a “corporate grift” and suggesting the council had been misled by