Statesboro City Council narrowly approves rezoning request for proposed data center

The Statesboro City Council, in a deadlocked 2-2 vote, approved a rezoning request for a proposed data center following a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Jonathan McCollar. The decision, which will allow a data center inside the city limits on a residential essential area on Up or Call 2 road, was met with significant public opposition. Residents reportedly overfilled the meeting room and gathered outside City Hall to voice their disapproval after the vote.

During the meeting, Statesboro officials clarified that the project has not been offered any incentives or tax abatements and will not receive them in the future. The developer present also confirmed that no specific company is currently planned for the location. The project's future now depends on the developer submitting a special use permit application, which will go before the planning commission and then the City Council for review. This permit process will ensure the project meets the guidelines of an ordinance passed earlier this year in June, which defines what data centers are allowed under a special use permit.