Marietta City Council tables vote on proposed data center
The Marietta City Council tabled a vote on a proposed data center project, delaying the decision until August to gather more information. This comes amid protests from residents and State Representative Gabriel Sanchez opposing the development. The council also approved a moratorium on new data center zoning applications until December.
Marietta, GA – The Marietta City Council recently voted to table a decision on a proposed data center and also enacted a temporary moratorium on new data center zoning applications. The proposal sought to convert an existing storage facility on Powers Ferry Place into a data center. Council members cited a need for more information before making a final determination, postponing the vote until August.
The council's decision followed public outcry, with protesters gathering outside City Hall prior to the meeting to express their opposition. State Representative Gabriel Sanchez, representing District 42, publicly spoke against the project, framing it as a struggle by working-class residents against corporate interests.
Supporters of the data center, such as Chuck Clay, emphasized its minimal impact, stating, "We’re not using Cobb’s water or Marietta water. It’s a closed-loop system." Conversely, local residents like John expressed relief at the delay, hoping for more thorough research. In a separate but related move, the City Council approved a moratorium on all new data center zoning applications, which will remain in effect until December.