Marietta City Council considers $1.3B data center proposal with tax benefits

In a recent Marietta City Council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed data center project that promises significant economic benefits for the city. The project, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, is expected to generate nearly $5 million in tax revenue in its first year alone, with projections indicating a total of $71 million in combined property taxes for both the city and the local school district over the next decade.

The developers emphasized the project's design, aiming to integrate the data center aesthetically into the surrounding community. They assured residents that the building would not resemble a typical industrial warehouse, but rather a high-quality office structure, featuring four-sided architecture with premium materials such as brick, stone, and glass. This commitment to visual appeal is intended to mitigate concerns from neighboring residential areas about the height and appearance of the facility.

Key stipulations were outlined, including variances specific to this project, which would not apply to any future developments. The developers also agreed to limit lighting to the property boundaries and to use Marietta Power as their energy provider, reinforcing local economic ties.

Community concerns were addressed during a virtual meeting prior to the council session, where residents raised questions about potential noise and traffic impacts. The developers clarified that noise would primarily arise only during power outages when backup generators are activated, and traffic would remain minimal due to the limited number of employees required for operations.

The council received a unanimous recommendation for approval from the planning commission, highlighting the project's alignment with the city's land use plan. As the council deliberates, the anticipated economic uplift from the data center could mark a transformative moment for Marietta, positioning it as a unique hub for technological infrastructure in Georgia.