County evaluates impacts of proposed data center development near Lake Varner

In a recent meeting held on May 6, 2025, the Newton County Board of Commissioners discussed a significant zoning proposal that could reshape the local landscape. The proposal involves the development of a data center campus, which is expected to occupy up to 1,410,000 square feet across multiple buildings. While the end user remains unidentified, the project is poised to have substantial implications for the surrounding area.

The proposal also includes plans to rezone 307.5 acres into estate lots, each a minimum of 2.5 acres, particularly around Lake Varner and adjacent ponds. This change raises concerns regarding water, sewer, and stormwater management, as the data center is projected to generate approximately 360,000 gallons of discharge daily. The county staff highlighted the heavy water usage typical of data centers and discussed potential solutions, such as treating and testing the discharged water or implementing recirculation systems.

Transportation impacts were another focal point of the discussion. A portion of Gregory Road, which will be affected by the development, is currently not up to county standards. Improvements to this road will likely necessitate the acquisition of additional right-of-way from neighboring landowners, raising further logistical and financial considerations for the county.

The proposed rezoning also presents challenges in terms of compliance with the county's zoning and comprehensive plan. The majority of the property is situated in areas designated for live-work corridors and conservation, which do not align with the proposed industrial use. The applicant's request to rezone to neighborhood residential, allowing for smaller lots than currently permitted, has sparked concerns about the long-term implications for community planning and infrastructure.

Moreover, the meeting underscored the financial ramifications of the development. Once the property is developed into the city, it will not be subject to county impact fees, despite the anticipated strain on county resources. The estimated impact fees for the project are approximately $255,000 for industrial use and $94,000 for residential use, which the county will be unable to collect.

As the county prepares to respond to the proposal, officials must act swiftly, as objections must be filed by May 9, 2025. The discussions from this meeting highlight the delicate balance between economic development and community planning, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of infrastructure demands and environmental impacts as the county moves forward.