'Nobody was told' | Byron, Crawford County head to arbitration over land tied to potential data center

A simmering dispute between the city of Byron, Georgia, and Crawford County over approximately 500 acres of land, a former Boy Scout camp, is escalating to state-mandated arbitration. The conflict stems from Byron's attempt to annex about 250 acres of this property, located within Crawford County, based on a 2017 covenant with the Boy Scouts of America that required future owners to petition for annexation into Byron in exchange for city utility services. When Land Holding Company LLC purchased the land in October 2024, activating the covenant, Byron moved to annex, but Crawford County objected. Public records requests by citizens subsequently revealed that Crawford County officials, including the county manager, commission chair, and planning administrator, had engaged in early discussions with Beltline Energy. This company is reportedly considering the site for a large-scale data center, projected to draw between 200 and 300 megawatts of power. Residents, led by Pam Price, expressed strong opposition and frustration over the lack of transparency from government officials, stating that "nobody was told" about these plans. Price highlighted concerns that citizens in Byron, Peach, and Crawford counties were unaware of the developments. Another resident, Renee Talton, voiced worries about potential increases in electricity and water costs if such a development proceeds. Crawford County maintains no formal application was filed, though the landowner later filed a rezoning request from agricultural to industrial, explicitly mentioning Beltline Energy's data center plans. The Byron City Council responded to the situation by voting in January to implement a temporary moratorium on new data centers within city limits until July 31, citing rapid growth and outdated zoning ordinances. With both Byron and Crawford County hiring outside legal counsel, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs will now oversee a three-member arbitration panel, which is required to issue a decision within 60 days. Citizens like Price emphasize their desire for transparency from local leadership and the preservation of the area's rural character.