Columbus Council votes on rules to allow any hyperscale data center in Muscogee County
The Columbus Council in Muscogee County, Georgia, voted 6-2 to approve an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance, establishing a technology overlay district that will allow hyperscale data centers. This decision, which paves the way for the proposed $5.18 billion "Project Ruby" data center, was met with significant community opposition over environmental and property value concerns. A complaint alleging open meetings law violations has also been filed with the Georgia Attorney General's Office.
The Columbus Council in Muscogee County, Georgia, approved a significant amendment to its Unified Development Ordinance on Tuesday, establishing a technology overlay district designed to facilitate hyperscale data center development. The vote, which passed 6-2, directly impacts "Project Ruby," a proposed $5.18 billion hyperscale data center targeting 865 acres in northeast Muscogee County, also known as Upatoi.
Despite the council's approval, the project still requires a separate rezoning request from the developer. The decision comes after four months of intense opposition from Columbus residents, including protests, town halls, and an online petition signed by 5,000 people. Concerns raised by residents focus on environmental impact, potential property value depreciation, and health and safety issues, although the new ordinance includes provisions for noise limits, water pre-treatment, and high-quality diesel generators.
Councilors Joanne Cogle and Simi Barnes voted against the ordinance, with Cogle expressing dissatisfaction regarding the enforcement measures and stating the decision was "premature." Other council members, including John Anker and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Allen, emphasized that the vote was for an "overlay tool" to attract various tech industries, not a direct approval for a data center. Council Chairman Crabb also encouraged continued protest against "Project Ruby" even while supporting the overlay.
In a related development, resident Paul Olson filed a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, alleging that the Columbus Planning Advisory Commission violated the state’s open meetings law during its March 4 meeting, which preceded the March 23 recommendation for the overlay. The Attorney General’s office has not yet ruled on the complaint.