Another company says DeKalb leaders promised they could build a data center
DeKalb County is facing a lawsuit and ongoing opposition after reportedly promising two companies the right to build data centers, only to later extend a moratorium on such developments. One company is suing the county for $30 million, claiming assurances were given before community engagement. Residents are demanding an independent environmental study before any further data center text amendments.
DeKalb County is embroiled in controversy and a lawsuit stemming from allegations that county leaders promised companies the right to construct data centers on land they acquired, only to subsequently enact and extend a moratorium on data center construction. Shadowbox Studios is identified as one of the companies affected, having purchased land off Bouldercrest Road under the impression they had permission to build.
Community members, organized under the banner "no data campus," expressed their concerns at a recent board of commissioners meeting. Many residents claimed they were unaware that DeKalb's planning department had previously assured Shadowbox Studios of their building rights. For nearly a year, these residents have actively engaged with the county board and administration, advocating against large hyperscale AI data centers and educating their communities on potential negative impacts.
An unnamed company has filed a $30 million lawsuit against DeKalb County, asserting that they received assurances for their data center projects months prior to the commencement of any formal community engagement process. This company claims to have spent millions over three years preparing land for these facilities. Residents are now demanding a fully funded, comprehensive, and independent health and environmental study for DeKalb citizens before the county considers any additional data center text amendments.