Columbia County Planning Commission discussing local development proposals.
The Columbia County Planning Commission has voted unanimously to deny a proposed boat storage facility in Appling, citing a lack of community support and alignment with county development goals. Meanwhile, a significant proposal for a technology park is under review, projected to boost local economy and generate substantial tax revenue. The commission will hold further discussions on this proposal in an upcoming meeting.
The Columbia County Planning Commission has unanimously voted to recommend the denial of a rezoning proposal for a boat storage facility along Ridge Road in Appling. This decision was made during the commission’s meeting held on Thursday night.
The proposed marina storage facility aimed to provide extensive boat storage options in the area, but the commission’s resolution highlights concerns that ultimately influenced their decision. In the absence of supportive community feedback or substantial data demonstrating the project’s necessity, the commissioners concluded that the facility did not align with the county’s broader development goals.
In a related matter, the Columbia County Planning Commission is currently reviewing a separate proposal for a nearly 2,000-acre technology park. This ambitious project intends to accommodate over 8 million square feet of data center space. The proposed site for the technology park is situated behind the White Oak Business Park, nestled between Harlem and Appling.
The estimated overall value of the technology park at build-out is projected to be around $11.6 billion. Columbia County anticipates that the development will generate over $118 million annually in local tax revenue, significantly bolstering the county’s economy. As part of the preliminary steps for this project, the county has submitted a “Development of Regional Impact” (DRI) statement to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
The land designated for the technology park is currently classified as residential-agricultural, necessitating a rezoning to S-1 to allow for high-tech activities. Proposed uses for this land, once rezoned, include data centers, research and development facilities, cybersecurity providers, and advanced technology firms. Data centers play a crucial role in our digital age as they support and store vast amounts of data generated by users from across the globe.
Illustrations included in the economic development application suggest plans for up to 29 data centers, each designed to cover approximately 275,000 square feet. Additionally, the plan encompasses the construction of six electricity substations that will take up approximately 82 acres of the proposed technology park.
While data centers are known for requiring substantial amounts of water for cooling purposes, the developers have proposed utilizing a glycol-based cooling system to substantially minimize water usage. This approach aims to align the project with sustainable practices while meeting the operational demands of the technology industry.
The Columbia County Planning Commission is set to reconvene on May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Evans Government Center. This upcoming meeting will focus on discussions regarding the technology park proposal, as community members and stakeholders seek to understand the potential impacts and benefits of such a significant development in Columbia County.
As the commission navigates these proposals, the decisions made will shape the landscape of Appling and its future economic landscape, emphasizing the need for balanced development that meets community needs while fostering economic growth.
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