Kingsland tree farms may sprout data center

A proposed industrial park, potentially featuring data centers, is currently seeking rezoning approval in Kingsland, Camden County, Georgia. Businessman Kirk Tovey, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is spearheading the effort to rezone approximately 700 acres along Interstate 95 from Agriculture Forestry to Light Industrial. The parcels are owned by two separate companies, V V Farm Inc. and Sapling Farms LLC, both led by Tovey. One portion of the land is already within Kingsland city limits, while Tovey is simultaneously requesting city annexation for an adjacent section as part of the comprehensive zoning application. The requests are slated for review by Kingsland's Planning and Zoning Board at its May 4 meeting, with subsequent consideration by the city council. The proposal comes as data center developments face scrutiny across Georgia. At least 11 counties in the state have already implemented prohibitions on such projects due to concerns. Recently, Glynn County commissioners approved new zoning ordinances to permit data centers, a decision met with residential opposition citing the industry's significant water and power consumption. The Kingsland project's advancement highlights ongoing debates surrounding data center expansion and its local impacts in Coastal Georgia.