Newton County objects to Covington annexation for large proposed data center near Lake Varner

Newton County commissioners voted to object Tuesday to a City of Covington annexation request that would bring about 520.5 acres around Gregory Road and Lake Varner into Covington and allow rezoning of roughly 213 acres for an industrial M2 district to accommodate a proposed data-center campus.

County development staff and the county attorney told commissioners the proposal could allow up to 1,410,000 square feet of data-center buildings and would change allowable uses and density in areas the county’s comprehensive plan designates for conservation, recreation and live-work corridor development.

Shaina Applewhite, Newton County director of development services, told the board the applicant’s package proposes a campus-scale industrial zoning and that "there are potential water, sewer, and stormwater impacts" tied to the project; staff estimated the proposed development could generate about 360,000 gallons per day of water discharge. Patrick Jogstadter, Newton County attorney, told the board, "In order to assert an appropriate objection and to initiate the dispute resolution process, it is necessary that the county act before May 9, so this will be your only opportunity to…