Social Circle Council mulls new data center vote

The Social Circle City Council in Georgia recently reviewed annexation, rezoning, special-use permit, and future land use map changes for a substantial two-building, 497,200-square-foot data center. Proposed by Savannah-based Thomas & Hutton for a 123-acre site at 1402 Roy Malcom Road in Walton County, this review occurred even before receiving a recommendation from the Social Circle Planning Commission. The project is confirmed to have an identified end user, with construction potentially beginning as early as Fall 2026 if approvals are granted. The Planning Commission had previously tabled these requests to allow for proper notification of neighboring property owners. They are now scheduled for public hearings on April 6, after which their recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for a potential final vote on April 21. Both meetings will offer opportunities for public comment. During a non-voting work session, council members and City Manager Eric Taylor expressed frustration over a lack of documentation regarding the comprehensive development plan for the three adjoining properties, particularly concerning vehicular access. The city had previously enacted a 90-day moratorium on data center applications on September 15, which was extended for another 90 days until March 15. However, the City Council voted in January to amend city codes for data centers, including noise limits, regular inspections, water/sewer/gas impact studies, and stringent requirements for fencing and vegetative screening. This action triggered a provision that terminated the moratorium once new regulations were in place.