Liberty Road data center denied
Douglas County commissioners rejected plans for a 700-acre data center campus near Liberty Road in Villa Rica, Georgia, marking the second time they denied a proposal for the property. The decision followed unanimous recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission due to concerns about compatibility with the county's growth plan, traffic, public safety, and water quality. Residents expressed strong opposition regarding noise, water and electricity use, and loss of green space.
The Douglas County Commission has denied plans for a 700-acre data center campus proposed by EdgeConneX near Liberty Road in Villa Rica, Georgia. This is the second time in seven months that the commission has rejected a large-scale data center proposal for the property. Residents packed Citizens Hall at the Douglas County Courthouse to hear the decision.
EdgeConneX, represented by attorney Anamaria Meanes, sought a future land use plan amendment, rezoning, and special use permits for six buildings totaling 4.4 million square feet and a utility substation. The Douglas County Commission voted 4-1 to deny all requests, following unanimous recommendations from the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Planning and Zoning Manager Allison Duncan cited conflicts with the county’s long-term growth plan, potential negative impacts on traffic, public safety, fire protection, and water quality, and concerns about overbuilding data centers in the county.
Opponents voiced concerns about noise, heavy water and electricity usage, and the loss of green space, emphasizing that the project did not align with the community's character and should be in industrial zones. Proponents, including resident E. John Citizen and long-time Liberty Road resident Donald Vaughn, argued that the data center would bring significant tax revenue and jobs to the county, which could fund infrastructure and education.