News Summary
Coweta County commissioners are set to vote on planning laws that could impact the community significantly, tied to ‘Project Sail,’ a proposed $17 billion data center. The ordinance aims to streamline the development process, raising concerns from local residents about environmental impacts and lack of public hearings. The project, expected to demand substantial resources, has drawn significant opposition from advocacy groups focused on preserving the rural character of the area. A public hearing is scheduled ahead of the commissioners’ decision.
Coweta County, Georgia – Coweta County commissioners are preparing to vote on proposed planning laws that could greatly impact the community as they relate to “Project Sail,” a planned $17 billion hyperscale data center situated in a rural part of the county.
The proposed data center, a collaboration between San Francisco-based Prologis and Georgia-based Atlas Development, is expected to span 831 acres—an area comparable to the size of Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves, multiplied 53 times. If approved, the new planning laws will facilitate the development process for Project Sail, easing several restrictions that have raised local concerns.
The current draft of the ordinance would eliminate provisions designed to limit environmental impacts and would also remove requirements for special public hearings regarding proposed data centers. Additionally, the proposed changes include the elimination of stricter rezoning requirements that would allow rural areas to become eligible for data centers. These alterations have sparked significant opposition from local community group Citizens for Rural Coweta, who argue that these laws prioritize developer interests over resident protections.
Project Sail is anticipated to consume a substantial amount of resources, specifically about 900 megawatts of power—significantly more than what is required by Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport—and around nine million gallons of water each day according to the submitted rezoning application. In response to this increased demand for power, Georgia Power is making plans to expand its capacity.
Local residents have articulated concerns about the potential for noise, pollution, and a decrease in property values related to the new data center. Many have raised their voices against Project Sail through public comments and demonstrations, stressing the ecological importance of preserving the site. Detractors also express fears that unchecked data center development may lead to industrial sprawl and erode the county’s rural character.
Notably, two significant environmental analysis requirements have been removed from the ordinance draft, amplifying backlash from the community. The public’s feedback has largely not been addressed in the proposed revisions, with many residents demanding stronger environmental safeguards to protect the area.
A previous project, known as “Project Peach,” gained approval despite facing similar local opposition, highlighting a trend in rapid data center development within the region. The forthcoming rezoning for Project Sail will necessitate a public hearing, although construction cannot commence until the zoning changes are formally approved by the county commissioners.
The current draft of the ordinance allows data centers to be located in Light Industrial and Industrial Zoning districts, removing the need for conditional-use permits. Local developers and lobbyists are believed to have influenced the draft to favor data center development, creating notable concern among residents and environmental advocates. Over 150 official letters opposing Project Sail have been submitted to the commissioners since the project’s announcement.
Prologis contends that the data center will generate substantial tax revenue for Coweta County, projected to reach $100 million annually at full build-out, which some local real estate agents argue would benefit the economy. However, public sentiment remains mixed, with considerable opposition reflected during community gatherings.
State wildlife officials have requested field studies and environmental assessments regarding wildlife and plant life in the area, emphasizing ongoing conservation concerns linked to the proposed development. The Coweta County commissioners are set to make their decision on the proposed ordinance following a public hearing scheduled for August 19.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- DeSmog: Lobbyists and Project Sail in Coweta County
- Times Herald: What’s at Stake for Project Sail Data Center Development
- Atlanta News First: Coweta County Puts Moratorium on Proposed Data Center
- Google Search: Project Sail Data Center
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Coweta County Concerns Over Project Peach Data Center
- Wikipedia: Data Center
- Data Center Dynamics: Prologis Set to Buy Project Sail Site
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
