Marietta City Council approves zoning for second data center in heated meeting
The Marietta City Council has approved zoning for an 18-megawatt data center at 1155 Powers Ferry Place, despite significant opposition from residents concerned about noise and environmental impacts. This decision follows a heated meeting where protesters voiced their disapproval. The approval marks the second data center zoning approval by the city council within a year.
The Marietta City Council approved zoning for a new 18-megawatt data center at 1155 Powers Ferry Place during a contentious Wednesday night meeting. The decision was made despite strong opposition from local residents who protested the plan with signs and vocal disapproval, leading to some being escorted out by police. Councilman Daniel Gaddis called for decorum amidst the shouting.
The proposed data center, which will convert part of an existing 11-acre site, has drawn concerns regarding potential noise disturbances and environmental pollution, particularly to the nearby Rottenwood Creek. A city analysis noted the developer's promise of noise-reducing enclosures but lacked specific details, also highlighting that about 2.5% of the property lies within a floodplain, making environmental impact assessment difficult due to the absence of data center-specific zoning standards in Marietta.
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce supported the application, stating that data centers are crucial for strengthening and future-proofing the local economy. This approval marks the second such decision by the Marietta City Council, following another data center zoning approval off Bells Ferry Road last year.