Lovejoy City Council votes no on Panhandle Road data center
The Lovejoy City Council in Georgia unanimously voted to initiate the rescission of a permit for a proposed 1.2 gigawatt data center on Panhandle Road, following strong resident opposition. Mayor Marci Fluellyn confirmed that the developer, The Stillwater Group, LLC, would withdraw its bid. Residents expressed concerns about water quality, noise pollution, and the city's commitment to previous development promises.
Lovejoy, Georgia -- The Lovejoy City Council has unanimously voted to initiate the rescission of a permit for a proposed 1.2 gigawatt data center on Panhandle Road. The decision, made during a special called meeting on Thursday, August 6, came after significant community opposition to the development. Mayor Marci Fluellyn stated that she had communicated residents' strong disapproval to representatives from The Stillwater Group, LLC, the South Carolina-based construction firm involved in the bid.
Community members voiced concerns about the environmental impact, potential noise pollution, and the city's perceived broken promise regarding the land's original designation for mixed-use development. Attania Jean-Funny, a community activist from unincorporated Clayton County, highlighted the efforts of groups like Conserve Henry in mobilizing residents, who filled Lovejoy City Hall for the meeting. Tina Coria of Conserve Henry emphasized the need for transparency from local government regarding development projects in Clayton and Henry counties.
Following the council's vote, Mayor Fluellyn announced that a withdrawal from the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) would follow, acknowledging and thanking residents for their participation. While residents celebrated this immediate victory, some, like Jean-Funny, remained skeptical about the council's long-term commitment to preventing future data center developments. Joshua Ecoff, a resident of neighboring Henry County, also thanked the attendees for their critical role in the outcome.