Statesboro City Council approves rezoning for data center amid protests
The Statesboro City Council approved a rezoning request for a data center, despite significant public opposition and protests from hundreds of residents. Mayor Jonathan Macollar cast the tie-breaking vote to allow land previously zoned for residential use to be developed into a data center.
The Statesboro City Council has approved a zoning map amendment, paving the way for a data center to be built within the city limits. This decision, made during a council meeting, was met with strong opposition from the community.
Hundreds of residents gathered both inside and outside City Hall to protest the development. The crowd inside booed when Mayor Jonathan Macollar cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the rezoning. Protesters outside chanted "Vote them out," expressing their disappointment and belief that their voices were not considered by elected officials. William McDaniel, a prominent opponent of the proposed data center planned for Burkhalter Road, emphasized the broad community turnout across different ages, cultures, ethnicities, and political backgrounds.