2 Weeks After Statesboro Council Approves Land Use Permit, City Manager Makes Presentation on Data Centers

Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny addressed the City Council and public following a contentious meeting two weeks prior, where a land use permit was approved for 26 acres on Burkhalter Road, sparking public backlash over the potential for a data center. Penny's presentation aimed to explain the city's stance on data centers, what staff has learned over the past year, and the potential financial implications for Statesboro.

Penny acknowledged public concerns regarding data centers' impact on the community, homes, and health, stating the city's mission is to educate the public. He clarified that the presentation was not a recommendation for approval but an informational session. He detailed the city's research journey, including visits to data center facilities in Social Circle and Alpharetta, Georgia, and collaborations with the Development Authority of Bulloch County.

The property owner petitioned for a zoning change from R-4 residential to Office/Business zoning, which was approved by the council. Penny emphasized that the council's vote was solely on rezoning and not the approval of a specific data center project, as no end-user has been identified. Mayor McCollar also reiterated that there is no specific entity planning to come and denounced what he called misinformation permeating the community.

Penny focused on the significant economic benefits a data center could bring, citing a fiscal impact analysis projecting approximately $21.8 million in additional revenue for Statesboro, $28.85 million for Bulloch County, and $26.3 million for the Bulloch County Board of Education over 10 years. He also noted the minimal demand on city services and the school system due to the small number of permanent employees. The city had also approved a data center ordinance in May prior to this analysis being publicly shared.