Griffin Planning Commission reviews rezoning request for data center campus

A significant proposal for a new data center campus took center stage at the Spalding County Planning Commission meeting on June 24, 2025. The applicant, 585 Spalding Investments LLC, is seeking to rezone a 127.459-acre parcel from agricultural residential and single-family residential to C1C manufacturing, a move that aligns with the county's comprehensive plan for economic development.

During the public hearing, attorney Steven Jones, representing the applicant, emphasized the importance of the rezoning for the area’s industrial growth. He highlighted the property’s strategic location along State Route 168, which is earmarked for industrial development in the county's future land use map. "This application is really about changing the zoning of this parcel to an employment designation that's consistent with the comp plan," Jones stated, underscoring the potential for job creation and economic benefits.

The commission discussed several recommended conditions for the approval of the rezoning, including adherence to Spalding County codes and maintaining a natural buffer along High Falls Road. Jones requested clarification on some conditions, particularly regarding the specific use of the property, advocating for flexibility in its future development.

The meeting also featured procedural inquiries from the audience, including questions about commissioner recusal, which could affect quorum and decision-making. Despite these concerns, the commission moved forward with the public hearing, indicating a strong interest in the proposed data center and its implications for local economic growth.

As the planning commission continues to deliberate on this rezoning request, the outcome could significantly shape the future of industrial development in Spalding County, reflecting broader trends in regional economic strategies.