Harris County considers industrial rezoning that could allow data centers
Harris County commissioners are considering a comprehensive-plan amendment that would reclassify three areas totaling 3,840 acres for industrial use, potentially allowing hyperscale data centers. Residents oppose the proposal and have requested a data center moratorium ahead of a second public hearing on Nov. 17.
The Harris County Board of Commissioners is considering an amendment to its comprehensive plan that would reclassify three sites near West Point, Fortson and the county’s borders with Talbot and Muscogee counties for M-1 light industrial use. The areas total about 3,840 acres, and county officials say the change would diversify the tax base and prepare for potential industrial investment as property-tax revenues could decline.
Residents told commissioners the amendment could enable a hyperscale data center, including a project known as Project Ruby proposed in neighboring Muscogee County. Speakers Jackie Moyer, Meghan Gunther, Celia Brooks and Mark Oliver urged officials to impose a data center moratorium and questioned why the county was changing a comprehensive plan adopted in 2024. Commissioners Susan Andrews and Greg Gantt acknowledged that data centers are among the uses being considered but said no developer is currently committed and that the county is acting to protect future revenue and services.
A second public meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17. The proposal would then require regional review, revisions and submission to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs before final approval by the local government.