Residents prepare court petition challenging Statesboro data center rezoning
A community group and property owners in Statesboro, GA, have filed a court petition challenging the City Council's rezoning approval for a proposed 99-megawatt data center by 4 AM Development LLC. The petitioners allege the city failed to follow zoning requirements and did not obtain independent studies on environmental and infrastructure impacts. The city confirms receipt of the summons and intends to respond.
A community organization, Coastal Community United, along with 11 property owners in Statesboro, Georgia, have prepared a court petition challenging the Statesboro City Council's decision to rezone nearly 27 acres for a proposed data center. The "Petition for Review/Appeal and Request for Declaratory Judgment" names the City of Statesboro and 4 AM Development LLC as defendants.
The petition seeks to overturn the August approval of a request to rezone the property along Burkhalter Road from a high-density residential district to an office and business district. Plans for the site, which is surrounded by residential properties and contains wetlands, include a two-story, 115,000-square-foot data center described as a 99-megawatt facility. Petitioners dispute the developer's characterization of it as an "edge" data center.
The petitioners allege that the city failed to adhere to its zoning requirements, relied excessively on developer-provided information, and did not secure independent studies regarding potential impacts on traffic, wildlife, water resources, and the electrical grid. They also raise concerns about noise, private wells, and property values, claiming the rezoning violated their due-process and equal-protection rights. While the rezoning was approved, final project approval would still require a special-use permit and further development review.
The City of Statesboro confirmed on September 21 that it was served with the summons and plans to respond within 30 days. A spokesperson stated the city is unable to comment further while the matter is pending litigation, indicating their intention to respond fully through legal channels.