Developers seek to build data center on Burkhalter Rd. inside Statesboro’s edge
Developers are seeking a zoning change in Statesboro, Georgia, to build a two-story data center on an almost 27-acre site on Burkhalter Road. The project, proposed by 4AM Development LLC, will require both a zoning map amendment and a special use permit under a city ordinance enacted in June. The Statesboro Planning Commission and City Council have upcoming hearings scheduled to review the rezoning request.
Developers, led by 4AM Development LLC, are seeking to construct a two-story data center totaling approximately 230,000 square feet on a 26.94-acre parcel within Statesboro's city limits on Burkhalter Road. The property owner, 4AM Development LLC, with John Paul Moore of Thomas & Hutton listed as agent, has applied for a zoning change from high-density residential (R-4) to office and business district (O).
This rezoning request is scheduled for review by the Statesboro Planning Commission on August 4, followed by a public hearing and vote by the elected City Council on August 18. Additionally, the project is subject to the city's Data Center Ordinance, enacted on June 2, which mandates a separate special use permit, closed-loop cooling systems, city water connections, ambient noise limits, an economic impact report, and a decommissioning plan. The proposed data center is projected to require 40-90 megawatts of power, with a Georgia Power substation planned on-site.
The developers anticipate an average daily makeup water usage of 30 to 100 gallons and peak daily demand of 1,000 gallons for cooling and domestic use. The site contains wetlands and is currently under review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for potential impacts. City staff have recommended conditional approval of the rezoning, contingent on 4AM Development LLC providing a 10-foot-wide strip of property for Burkhalter Road improvements.
The article highlights a contrasting approach by Bulloch County, which in early May extended a moratorium on data center permits in unincorporated areas until December 31. The county is also pursuing an amendment to prohibit data centers outright, a measure recently forwarded by the county Planning and Zoning Commission and on the agenda for the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners' upcoming meeting.