Athens Mayor and Commission discuss extending moratorium on data center zoning ordinances

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission discussed extending a moratorium on new data center construction to allow time to review and adopt zoning regulations. Data centers pose concerns over water and electricity use, as well as pollution. Proposed changes would require data centers to obtain a special use permit, use closed-loop cooling systems, and implement noise barriers. Commissioners and residents pushed to delay adopting any amendments and extend the moratorium, citing sustainability issues. The commission will make a decision at their next meeting. They also discussed approving a special use request for a bar at a private event space and allowing more residential units in a downtown commercial property.