Coweta residents file petition seeking vote on data center ban
Citizens for Rural Coweta submitted a petition with more than 14,000 signatures seeking a special election on data center development and cryptocurrency mining in Coweta County. The petition would reverse a previous rezoning decision and ban those operations countywide if approved by voters.
Citizens for Rural Coweta filed a home-rule petition in Coweta County Probate Court with more than 14,000 signatures. The group, represented by attorney Dana Braun, is asking the court to authorize a special referendum that would let county voters decide whether to reverse a previous rezoning decision and prohibit data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations throughout Coweta County.
Supporters including Melanie Tomlinson, Jimmy Newman and Cathy Newman said the petition reflects sustained community opposition and concerns that data centers do not belong in residential communities. The probate court has 60 days to determine whether the petition is valid; if it qualifies, a special election must be scheduled within 90 days of the filing. Coweta County said it is aware of the petition.