Tallapoosa approves annexation, rezoning of 1K acres

The Tallapoosa City Council voted 5-0 on Monday to approve a controversial annexation and rezoning request for 1,000 acres, despite significant public opposition. The request, submitted by the Haralson County Board of Commissioners, designates the property for light industrial use with a new technology park overlay district (TPOD) that explicitly allows data centers. This decision follows changes to the TPOD code approved at an April meeting. The city council meeting was met with an over-capacity crowd, many of whom gathered outside City Hall to protest the annexation. During the public hearing, no one spoke in favor, while six residents voiced concerns, primarily focusing on the potential strain data centers would place on local resources like water and electricity. Tallapoosa resident Bill Anders specifically cited research suggesting data centers require "unlimited water" and "unlimited electricity," resources he believes the area lacks. Activist Zach Martin also warned that such zoning shifts leverage from the community to developers, calling it "gambling with the future of an entire community." Following the unanimous vote to approve the motion, Councilmember Jonathan James having made the motion, attendees jeered the council, with many walking out and chanting "vote them out." McKay Kelley, community development director for Tallapoosa, noted that utility and permit requests for the property have not yet been submitted, but the Haralson County Development Authority anticipates the light industrial zoning will enhance the area's marketability.