Marietta to weigh rezoning request for Powers Ferry data center

The Marietta Planning Commission is set to review a rezoning application by Prime Storage Powers Ferry Place Marietta LLC for a data center project on Powers Ferry Place. The proposal seeks to convert a 10.73-acre commercial property, currently a storage facility, into a data infrastructure facility, utilizing approximately 40% of an existing 90,000 square-foot building.

Attorney Parks Huff, representing the developer, stated the data center would require 12 megawatts for computing and up to 18 megawatts total, emphasizing the use of existing electrical infrastructure and a closed-loop air-cooled system to minimize water discharge. The project faces community scrutiny, particularly concerning water usage, electricity consumption, and environmental impacts, including noise. This follows prior protests in Marietta against another data center project on Bells Ferry Road.

Huff distinguished the Powers Ferry project as a smaller, low-latency computing center, different from the larger Bells Ferry proposal. Efforts have been made to address noise with specialized equipment and sound fencing. A staff analysis noted that Marietta’s current zoning ordinance does not differentiate between data center scales or include specific equipment standards, suggesting a need for future zoning code updates. The staff report did not recommend approval or denial but indicated the rezoning request does not align with the city's comprehensive plan. The Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, with a City Council hearing scheduled for July 8 to consider the application.