Statesboro City Council Approves Data Center Rezoning Despite Opposition
The Statesboro City Council voted 3-2 to approve a rezoning request for a 26.49-acre parcel at 6529 Burkhalter Road, allowing for a future data center development. This decision was met with significant opposition from local residents and environmental groups concerned about property values and the impact on residential areas. Mayor Johnathan McCollar cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the rezoning.
The Statesboro City Council narrowly approved a rezoning request for a 26.49-acre parcel on Burkhalter Road, paving the way for a future data center development. The vote, split 3-2, saw Mayor Johnathan McCollar cast the deciding vote in favor of changing the property's designation from high-density residential to office or business district.
The decision was met with vocal opposition from a packed city council chamber and protesters outside, who chanted 'Vote them out.' Residents, including Barbara Ortega and Beth Bennett, expressed concerns about decreased property values, potential pollution, and the disruption of residential neighborhoods located within a mile of the proposed site. Environmental groups, such as the Ogeechee Riverkeeper represented by Meaghan Walsh Gerard, argued that the data center project conflicts with the city's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes residential development, walkability, and natural resource preservation in the area.
4AM Development LLC, an Augusta-based group, requested the rezoning and has indicated discussions with potential data center operators for the site. Council members Tangie Johnson and Ginny Hendley voted for the rezoning, while John Riggs and Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr voted against it. The council did acknowledge residents' concerns, with Mayor McCollar stating that the city is effectively banning hyperscale data centers within its limits, using OpenAI's Project Camellia in Effingham as an example of what they want to avoid. However, this did little to quell the opposition present.