DeKalb Commission District 7 candidates talk data centers

Candidates for DeKalb County Commission District 7, including incumbent Commissioner LaDena Bolton and challengers Jacqueline Adams and Oneka Willabus, debated data center development during an April 19 forum hosted by Decaturish. Data centers have become a contentious issue in the county, particularly with a proposal for a facility in Ellenwood and the ongoing drafting of new zoning and land use regulations. Oneka Willabus called for a larger buffer of one mile from residential areas, exceeding the current 500 feet, and expressed concern about data centers straining the county’s water infrastructure. Jacqueline Adams emphasized the need for transparent development, especially regarding water consumption, and insisted that data centers be located in properly zoned industrial areas, providing local jobs and training. Commissioner LaDena Bolton, who has repeatedly voted to extend a moratorium on data center applications at the community's request, also advocated for stronger regulations and opposed data center campuses in residential neighborhoods. The DeKalb County Commission is currently considering a special land-use permit application for a 95-acre data center campus with an outdoor electric substation at 4358 and 4280 Loveless Place. This application was deferred until July, allowing more time for review. The candidates also discussed other district priorities, such as addressing homelessness and redeveloping underutilized areas like Memorial Drive and South DeKalb Mall.