Permit denied for new data center proposed near I-20 in Douglas County
Douglas County commissioners voted 4-1 to deny a permit for a proposed data center near I-20 after a public meeting. Residents expressed both support and opposition, with some concerned about natural resources and others about county finances and taxes. The decision comes as other metro Atlanta communities like DeKalb County and Marietta also consider data center moratoriums.
Douglas County commissioners voted 4-1 to deny a permit for a new data center project proposed near Interstate 20 and the Carroll County line. The decision followed a packed meeting where residents voiced both strong opposition, citing concerns over natural resources and neighborhoods, and support, emphasizing the need for county finances to avoid tax increases.
Commissioner Mark Alcarez, following the vote, highlighted the county's significant road infrastructure deficit and the need for revenue without raising taxes. The Atlanta area, home to several existing data centers in Douglas County and others under consideration, is ranked by CBRE as the second-largest data center market in the U.S. behind Northern Virginia.
The vote in Douglas County comes as other metro Atlanta communities are also taking action regarding data center development. DeKalb County commissioners recently voted to extend a moratorium on new data centers, and the Marietta City Council is scheduled to consider a similar moratorium.