Statesboro Council Approves Rezoning for Potential Data Center Site
Statesboro City Council approved a rezoning for 26.49 acres on Burkhalter Road, a site discussed for a potential data center. The decision, made by a tie-breaking vote from Mayor Jonathan McCollar, does not permit construction but necessitates a separate special use permit and additional city review for any data center proposal.
The Statesboro City Council recently approved a rezoning request for 26.49 acres at 6539 Burkhalter Road, a site identified as a potential location for a data center. The vote on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, resulted in a 2-2 split among council members, with Mayor Jonathan McCollar casting the tie-breaking vote in favor of the rezoning from High-Density Residential to Office and Business.
Planning staff had recommended approval, with the condition that the developer dedicate 10 feet of property along Burkhalter Road for future traffic improvements. The Statesboro Planning Commission had also previously recommended conditional approval with a 5-1 vote. However, public opposition to the rezoning, specifically due to its connection to a potential data center, was noted during a lengthy public hearing.
Despite the approval of the rezoning, city officials emphasized that this action does not authorize the construction of a data center. Any future data center proposal on the site would still be subject to a separate special use permit, additional city review, and another decision by the City Council.