Council approves several rezonings, annexations and a proposed data center; Bells Ferry plan draws sustained public comment

The Marietta City Council on Wednesday approved a slate of land-use actions — rezoning requests, an annexation and related code amendments — including a high-profile request to rezone 1751 Bells Ferry Road for a proposed data center campus.

The Bells Ferry proposal drew about two dozen public comments at the meeting. Presenters for the applicants described the site plan as two large data center buildings, a dedicated electrical substation to be built by agreement with MEAG, and a plan to locate the project partially below surrounding grade so the buildings would be less visually prominent from neighboring homes. Attorney Kevin Moore told the council the applicant has worked with Marietta Power and Cobb Water and said the project would select Marietta Power as its electricity provider.

Residents and community speakers questioned noise from cooling and backup systems, water and power impacts, whether added demand would raise local electricity costs, and the number of permanent jobs the campus would create. Some speakers urged the council to delay action or seek more information about environmental and community impacts. Supporters, including residents and proponents, highlighted projected tax revenue, the city’s ability to supply power locally through Marietta Power and the strategic location near transmission lines and I‑75.

What the council approved

- Z2025-11 (1751 Bells Ferry Road): Rezoning from CRC (Community Retail Commercial)…