A proposed two-story data center on Burkhalter Road is facing opposition from nearby residents following a controversial rezoning vote by the Statesboro City Council.
A data center is a facility that houses computer systems and servers used to store, process and manage large amounts of digital information. These facilities support everyday online services, including websites, apps and cloud storage. Depending on their size and equipment, data centers can require significant electricity and cooling to operate.
The proposal would be located next to student housing apartments and several residential neighborhoods, raising concerns among residents about its potential impact on the surrounding community.
Reaghan Rees, a resident of Cottage Row, is speaking out against the proposed development. Rees said she is concerned about the facility’s appearance, noise and lighting, especially because of its close proximity to her home.
Rees also expressed concerns about how the data center could affect the surrounding neighborhoods, particularly for residents who live just down the road from the proposed site.
The project has also prompted legal action. Citizens and Coastal Communities United, a nonprofit organization, have filed a legal challenge in response to the city’s rezoning decision.
The legal challenge will allow a Superior Court judge to independently review the evidence and determine whether the city acted unconstitutionally when it approved the rezoning. The case puts the city’s decision under further scrutiny as the proposed development faces opposition from members of the surrounding community.
The proposed location has become a central point of concern for residents who live near Burkhalter Road, particularly those who would be closest to the facility. Rees’ opposition reflects concerns about the potential effects of placing a data center near existing homes and student housing.
As the legal challenge moves forward, the court’s review will determine whether the city’s rezoning decision was constitutional. The outcome could affect the next steps for the proposed data center and its future on Burkhalter Road.
