Project Oak data center denied by commissioners
The Coweta County Board of Commissioners unanimously denied a rezoning application for the proposed Project Oak data center. This decision followed significant opposition from residents concerned about impacts on health, property values, and the character of the area. Developers plan to take feedback into account before determining future plans.
The Coweta County Board of Commissioners unanimously denied a rezoning application for the proposed "Project Oak" data center following significant public opposition. Developers for Project Oak sought to remove a zoning condition on a 255-acre industrial parcel that limited its use to office and warehouse, arguing the site was ideal for a data center and conformed to the county's ordinance.
However, residents, particularly from District 3, voiced strong concerns about potential impacts on health, property values, and the character of Walt Sanders Road. Nicole Blackwell, the county's zoning coordinator, confirmed 121 letters of opposition were received from 112 individuals, with no letters in support. The unanimous decision by the commissioners, made without discussion after hearing public comments, was met with applause from the standing-room-only crowd.
Student speakers, Lilee Shields and Samantha "Sammy Jo" Wisely, emphasized the long-term consequences of such development decisions for future generations. Project Oak developers stated they would consider resident feedback before determining their next steps, acknowledging that county zoning procedure requires a six-month waiting period before reapplying.