[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6057064,"mediaKeyId","3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb","parentId",3307953,"title","Villa Rica council approves rezoning, annexation for proposed data center with conditions","audioSeconds",4751,"startMs",4162000,"endMs",8913000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb&start=4162&end=8913","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb/thumbnail_4162000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6057064/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Villa-Rica-council-approves-rezoning-annexation-for-proposed-data-center-with-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057064-8e50ce3572cb0fbccf9db9cfe1c94309/orig.mp4?Expires=1770554925&Signature=jjI-WrqjrtdPeZIp5UlRP-e5OT1~ovzxpV4Z1ISVCld2nfMV8zgTN6j1LV5siNjw3suo5XVzLyXB3QXySJgdlId99HwoE~jYeU8BaHjzOhU7qxm6sqj-KMy1r4q89bqtTKrR4v-F8YhThHIoTw56SautfMyjDYb3GY9Wl3xqqJGlYeAsx3CuWeDKXT9zbRm8VfF6CKzytA2yyDogcsD3qDfWtLKlIlpQmWU7iG6MSuusefZrlM6ffwn8251ACa62YiKC4X9tqFvPo1~iKdwrCcSOjfD99v5Ko-HPgE6Ert8Q7rXzqCFIZMAKERyRHXAFLpVCiGnRk6b2ZWF3y2KK5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-14T14:16:10Z","article","The Villa Rica City Council on May 13 approved annexation and rezoning requests tied to a proposed data center campus, imposing conditions that require a development agreement covering water and sewer capacity, removal of residential components, minimum buffers and design controls.

The vote clears the way for the developer to pursue engineering and permitting but leaves utility, traffic and site details to later approvals. Supporters said a data center would generate tax revenue and impose fewer demands on schools and public safety than large-scale residential development; opponents cited pending litigation, conservation easements and questions about water, traffic and notice.

Planning and zoning administrator Sean Daniels presented the application, saying the developer seeks to rezone two parcels — about 182.46 acres on South Van Wert Road and 32.06 acres on Hickory Level Road — to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with the city’s Technology Park Overlay. He told the council the comprehensive plan designates the area “suburban village,” which allows mixed uses but said staff recommended approval with conditions, including that \"water utilization, sewer capacity, and conveyance are to be agreed upon in a form of a development agreement.\" (Sean Daniels, Planning and Zoning Administrator).

City Engineer Mark Teal summarized review comments from the regional commission, 3 Rivers, including concerns about groundwater recharge, prime farmland designation, potential floodplain and hydrology issues, and the applicant’s need to demonstrate water and wastewater management during later permitting. \"Environmental and water considerations ... Villa Rica's encouraged to evaluate water supply capacity and consider cooling technologies that reduce water consumption,\" Teal said (Mark Teal, City Engineer).

Brandon Bowen, attorney for Atlas Development LLC and the applicant, said the council was voting only on annexation and rezoning and that \"if the zoning is approved by this council, then the next round is extensive engineering on this property,\" including wetlands, site layout and the specific utility needs that will determine water demand. Bowen told council, \"recycling is possible, absolutely... using gray water is something that we would actively try to do\" (Brandon Bowen, counsel for Atlas Development LLC).

Opponents, represented collectively by attorney Jefferson Allen, urged the council to deny the request, citing a pending judicial challenge to earlier related decisions, alleged improper parcel splitting for annexation and a conservation easement on a 16-acre parcel that Allen said had not been notified. Allen argued the council should not act while litigation is pending: \"There is a pending legal action related to the validity of the prior rezoning and annexation action ... under OCGA 36-66-5.1 judicial review ... that stay applies\" (Jefferson Allen, counsel for resident petitioners).

Carroll County Schools Superintendent Scott Cowart, speaking in favor, said the district preferred a commercial/industrial use to add tax base rather than add hundreds of new residential units that would increase enrollment. \"From our perspective, we found it to be a good recommendation ... we found it to be a positive because it would reduce, potentially, 900 residential units coming into our community,\" Cowart said (Scott Cowart, Superintendent, Carroll County Schools).

After public hearings and discussion, the council approved annexation motions for the parcels and then passed the rezoning to PUD with the Technology Park overlay with conditions. Key conditions adopted by the council include: water/sewer capacity and conveyance to be agreed by development agreement; removal of the residential component from the PUD; a minimum 100-foot vegetative buffer between subject properties and residential districts; a 200-foot setback for data center buildings from residences; screening or placement of generators, cooling equipment and other noise‑emitting systems behind buildings or behind constructed screening; structures built at least two feet above base flood elevation; and completion of a final traffic analysis at the Land Disturbance Permit stage.

Council members and staff emphasized the rezoning/annexation vote sets zoning but does not permit construction: subsequent engineering, traffic studies, utility agreements and site-plan approvals are required. As Mark Teal summarized, \"We will review [floodplain, land disturbance and stormwater] during the permit process as well\" (Mark Teal).

Opponents warned the zoning could be premature without a site plan or finalized utility commitments. The council majority said the conditions and subsequent permitting steps would provide oversight. The rezoning motion passed unanimously; annexation votes on the two parcel groups were carried by council votes during the meeting (see actions detail). The city will require development agreements and technical studies before any building permits or land-disturbance permits are issued.

What happens next: the developer must complete engineering, complete required traffic and utility analyses, and negotiate a development agreement demonstrating water and sewer capacity and conveyance. Those deliverables will return to staff and the council for review under existing code and the recently amended Technology Park Overlay standards.

Sources: Council hearing and staff presentations at the May 13, 2025 Villa Rica City Council meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Villa Rica","oneSentenceSummary","The Villa Rica City Council on May 13 approved annexation and rezoning for parcels along South Van Wert Road and Hickory Level Road to allow a proposed data center, subject to conditions including required utility agreements, buffers and screening.","taxTitle","Villa Rica, Carroll County, Georgia","taxId",57022,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6057050,"Villa Rica council names interim managers, approves pay increases and property purchases after executive session",2028,11697000,13725000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb&start=11697&end=13725","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb/thumbnail_11697000.jpg","/articles/6057050/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Villa-Rica-council-names-interim-managers-approves-pay-increases-and-property-purchases-after-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057050-057996f33ca3d5d932a095a05d1d7902/orig.mp4?Expires=1770554925&Signature=QOeMlS066LLD-~fDt5GW5~C2Grqd3rusyx9WUVc~QpNiA1rHQdE6xSLgR3VLVFtp-8AC4CIyIdo5plPxoA4XHKDIU56PDx5NWvMjMjL1d5UTtJRYxlXiCH3MeVkfDqV9F4STSRfmoB962DYpIoVYnV64DvNb7kedLqE7qHu6MkstM3wO1QS~eqngV593x8CMrbS8qAHD-Ca1SSKXlN5I7erODCPIJAUfXmz8w1p0dOwPKYrJWecwnA8f-t8KK6rFGTfS2cxnc3bls0PhhttX1CnecbFt9od1lM2Skb8mSzJIx1EPmhg~6bK6EsOQyyinJLpdEu3WEMhA~fvK6jgqZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After returning from executive session on May 13, the Villa Rica City Council announced several personnel appointments and property transactions it had approved in closed session.

The council approved interim assignments and pay adjustments: Jennifer Hallman was confirmed as interim city manager and approved for a $1,500 weekly pay increase effective May 1; John Bain was named interim deputy city manager with a $1,000 weekly pay increase effective May 1; and Amanda Long was named interim finance director with a $500 weekly pay increase while serving in that role. Council votes on these personnel matters were unanimous as recorded in the meeting minutes (city staff disclosures during reconvened session).

The council also authorized purchases and easement payments for multiple parcels to support ongoing city projects. The approved transactions and amounts announced on the record were:

- Purchase of parcel V050150024 for $390,000 plus $4,200 for relocation assistance.
- Purchase of parcel V050150049 for $15,000.
- Purchase of parcel V050150081 for $26,000.
- Purchase of partial parcel V050150075 for $35,000.
- Payment for easements on parcel V050170002 in the amount of $6,490.

Council members voted on each item during the reconvened session after executive session; meeting record shows each real-estate approval passed by unanimous vote.

City Attorney and staff framed the executive session under state code provisions allowing discussion of real estate transactions and personnel matters. The mayor and council then moved to implement the named interim roles and property purchases as recorded in open session.

Sources: Council reconvened session announcements May 13, 2025; city attorney and staff recitations of approved executive‑session outcomes.","Following an executive session on May 13, the council approved interim assignments and temporary pay increases for three city employees and authorized the purchases of multiple parcels and easements to support city projects.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6057055,"Residents tell Villa Rica council they face traffic, neighborhood and homelessness concerns",1179,1580000,2759000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb&start=1580&end=2759","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb/thumbnail_1580000.jpg","/articles/6057055/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Residents-tell-Villa-Rica-council-they-face-traffic-neighborhood-and-homelessness-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057055-21d69e6a6331591d304985b9643b015f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770554925&Signature=dGZ5teg~izIVBIpHmQXFoVyijH59QFtXq6uv2qmYxUnz7xPrGUlq9wb3CRsIvSuY0P1xWAzup458giHDEvk-FS4kfWnwCHNQraQHPmlayFTcURfutvTL-IuMg8FQbH-00oVOIA1I5PbbqxVJ4crBHPKbnBZb7CZBhrPXsT30JYOgafyx9jErTsyq595sO0nAEY9c4k2vlknFKmTPrQtAujpWArPh7-16AY7tjuacwZ7pHz1S5GM2ylYNDx0SuQgNTsV1puc4kp6wKoD01OZveNvj7k6mP3vAfpSZioL6AATed76AoAunBqF6sH81Feup29m79vkp-ptJUH6u9ZYQhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment on May 13, multiple Villa Rica residents raised safety and quality‑of‑life concerns including a proposal to reuse the city’s former Fire Station No. 9 as a shelter, heavy local traffic and safety problems on Cleghorn and Anderson streets, questions about a grant from Norfolk (a park grant) and broader concerns about transparency and gentrification as development expands.

Doctor Bernice Brooks urged the council to consider using the old Fire Station No. 9 on the bypass as a location to help people experiencing homelessness, noting the building already has beds, a kitchen and bathrooms. \"I ask that you strongly consider that building as a place for homelessness here in Villa Rica,\" Brooks said (Dr. Bernice Brooks, public commenter).

Several residents described traffic and safety problems on Cleghorn and Anderson streets, with vehicles backing up, drivers failing to stop and school bus loading/unloading concerns. Molly Elder asked whether a traffic impact study had been completed since a previous town hall; Doug Lang and others described backups at Bankhead Highway and the absence of a left‑turn lane from Mirror Lake Connector toward Cleghorn. \"It's horrendous... people are having to step out in the street and assist others backing out,\" Elder said (Molly Elder, public commenter).

Other commenters raised neighborhood-change concerns tied to proposed parkway work and development. Alita Farmer said increased construction has driven wildlife into residential areas and questioned whether proposed amenities (walking trails, dog areas) would signal gentrification that displaces long-time residents. \"What we have a problem with is no communication and transparency,\" she said (Alita Farmer, public commenter). Pam White and others urged stronger oversight and community input, saying elected officials must be accountable and transparent.

Mayor and council responses during the meeting clarified that public comment is not a Q&A period but that staff would follow up where necessary; the mayor asked speakers who wanted direct answers to provide phone numbers on the sign‑in sheet so staff could respond. Council members also said they would consider issuing more frequent updates on major projects such as the proposed connector/parkway to reduce uncertainty.

No formal action was taken during public comment; several speakers were advised to reserve comments for scheduled public hearings later in the agenda if their remarks concerned an item with a hearing. Staff offered to contact commenters who provided contact information.

Sources: Public comment statements recorded at the May 13, 2025 council meeting.","Multiple residents used the public-comment period to urge action on homelessness and traffic safety, to ask about a Norfolk grant for a local park, and to criticize city transparency and growth impacts. The council noted the comments and offered to have staff follow up where appropriate.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6057059,"Villa Rica council approves two alcohol licenses after public hearings",147,3383000,3530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb&start=3383&end=3530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307953-aa432ce190eae936b4eb7f0252f15dfb/thumbnail_3383000.jpg","/articles/6057059/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Villa-Rica-council-approves-two-alcohol-licenses-after-public-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057059-58fa3a0870114b8158db0bf1fa250e79/orig.mp4?Expires=1770554925&Signature=aI4briznLKCb8sGhI7QXqWzbpDisutbyeR3hK3~pv6N7nzgS4ecqTyX0JigFZipLCjmhFE1VBzHc3daa9ZETCfScu~BcQJSXIc6-Zg1ODwYupujmgDrb63-MMizRRTq-DDcnygtLxwisNQsqaLUYzjPIILh4xJFjaleJ6Owc2jwxikkbPs2jxnJ5WCqLvrR~hCOPe8gfkbvxpNSogO2cjz1~FapoWBYV5zutG31V0nW7Mc3-xAba1mZq-8aSBY1JBq4QyXJA39iTKoUJvvI5zI~eXTgN-QolQkOxOy~RE3u-eoBMyyUg3jfzrgZdMbgMpcCmI9-wU~tR4U5eNvSVYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Villa Rica City Council on May 13 approved two separate alcoholic-beverage licenses: one for San Andres Villa Rica LLC at 103 Villa Rica Parkway (a restaurant intending to serve malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits) and one for Kwik Trip Corporation at 650 Highway 61 (convenience store package sales of malt beverages and wine). Both approvals followed public hearings and background checks by the Villa Rica Police Department.

Whitney Cox, licensing specialist, presented both applications and told the council the applicants had met city ordinance notice requirements and passed local background checks. For San Andres Villa Rica LLC, the council voted to approve the application (motion passed unanimously) after a brief presentation; no members of the public spoke against the restaurant’s license (Whitney Cox, Licensing Specialist).

The Kwik Trip application generated a public question about the legal entity named as the agent on the application. Resident Larry Kors asked the council to clarify which legal entity holds the state and city permits because records showed an entity called Roscoe LLC had been administratively dissolved. On that point, Ms. Cox explained that Kwik Trip Corporation is an active entity and the state and local processes will list the new licensee upon issuance, and staff recommended approval. The council approved Kwik Trip’s license by a 4–1 vote (Whitney Cox; public comment from Larry Kors).

After approval, the city attorney and city staff reminded both license holders that violations of city ordinance or state law, including sales to minors, could result in revocation of the license. City staff also said local law enforcement conducts compliance checks using underage decoys to enforce that prohibition (City Attorney/Staff remarks).

The council did not record individual councilmember votes in the meeting transcript for the San Andres motion; the Kwik Trip vote was recorded as 4–1. Both applicants were told to maintain compliance with city and state requirements and to ensure trained staff check identifications.

Sources: Council public hearings, presentations by Whitney Cox and council vote record at the May 13 meeting.","The council granted alcohol licenses to San Andres Villa Rica LLC (restaurant with on‑premises service) and to Kwik Trip Corporation (convenience store retail package sales). San Andres approval was unanimous; Kwik Trip approved 4–1 after a public question about the listed agent entity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Villa Rica council approves rezoning, annexation for proposed data center with conditions

Villa Rica council names interim managers, approves pay increases and property purchases after executive session

Residents tell Villa Rica council they face traffic, neighborhood and homelessness concerns

Villa Rica council approves two alcohol licenses after public hearings