Rezoning requests to allow for data center in Kingsland withdrawn

The city of Kingsland, Georgia, has announced that two rezoning requests, which would have enabled the development of a data center on a 700-acre parcel north of GA 40 and west of I-95, have been withdrawn. The decision was made just hours before the items were scheduled for discussion at a city planning commission meeting. The land, currently zoned for agriculture under the ownership of Seedlings Farms, LLC and VV Farms, LLC, was sought to be rezoned for light industrial use, allowing for data center construction. City Manager Lee Spell stated that while Kingsland City Council passed a data center ordinance in March outlining requirements, staff determined it needs further review and public input to ensure standards are fully integrated into the city's zoning ordinance. A 90-day moratorium on the ordinance's enforcement and on data center permitting and application acceptance has been proposed and is slated for consideration by the Kingsland City Council on May 11. Community concerns, amplified by St. Marys Riverkeeper Emily Floore, primarily focus on the substantial water consumption associated with data centers and potential impacts on utility bills. The issue of data center development has also become a 'hot topic' across Southeast Georgia, with straw poll questions even appearing on primary ballots in nearby Glynn County to gauge public opinion. Additionally, the Camden County Board of County Commissioners is set to consider its own resolution for a moratorium on data center permitting on May 5.