The Issue
Petition Opposing Data Center Development in Talbot County, Georgia
TO: The appropriate local governing authority and planning/zoning decision-makers with jurisdiction over Talbot County, Georgia (including any Board of Commissioners/City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board, as applicable).
FROM:Citizens and residents of Talbot County,Georgia and surrounding affected areas (the “Petitioners”).
RE: Petition opposing the proposed data center development in Talbot County, Georgia (the “Proposed Development”).
I. Request for Action
Petitioners respectfully oppose the Proposed Development and request that the governing authority:
FIRST.- Deny, table, or condition any application(s) required for the Proposed Development, including but not limited to rezoning, special use permit, conditional use permit, variance, development permit, and/or site plan approval, unless and until the applicant demonstrates—through competent, publicly disclosed evidence—full compliance with applicable zoning procedures and that the proposal is consistent with the public health, safety, welfare, and morals of the community.
SECOND.- Require the applicant to provide complete and accurate information about anticipated environmental impacts, noise, traffic, infrastructure demands (electricity, water, sewer), public safety impacts, and property value impacts, and to fund any independent studies needed for informed decision-making.
THIRD.- Ensure that all required public notice and hearing procedures are strictly followed pursuant to Georgia law, including the Georgia Zoning Procedures Law. See, e.g., OCGA § 36-66-1 (Short Title; “Zoning Procedures Law”).
II. Parties and Standing
Petitioners include homeowners, renters, and other community members who live, work, attend school, worship, and/or own property in and around Talbot County, Georgia. Petitioners will be directly affected by the Proposed Development’s potential impacts on neighborhood character, environmental conditions, traffic and road safety, infrastructure capacity, and property values.
III. Background (General)
Upon information and belief, a developer has proposed construction and operation of a large-scale data center in and/or near Talbot County  County, Georgia. Such facilities are typically associated with:
• substantial and continuous electricity demand and associated transmission/substation infrastructure;
• increased demand on water resources (including potential cooling-related consumption) and potential impacts to wastewater/sewer systems;
• significant construction traffic and ongoing service traffic;
• continuous or intermittent mechanical and HVAC noise, including backup generator testing and operation;
• site grading, stormwater runoff, and other environmental impacts.
Petitioners submit this petition to ensure that the governing authority evaluates the Proposed Development in a transparent manner and in accordance with law, and to urge denial (or, at minimum, strict conditions) where the proposal threatens community well-being.
IV. Grounds for Opposition
A. Environmental Concerns
Petitioners are concerned that the Proposed Development will adversely affect local environmental resources, including but not limited to air quality, stormwater runoff, habitat, and overall environmental quality. Petitioners request that the governing authority require comprehensive evaluation of site disturbance, impervious surface impacts, erosion and sediment controls, and any necessary state or federal environmental permitting.
B. Noise Pollution
Petitioners are concerned that operational noise from HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, loading/service activity, and backup generators may create persistent nuisance conditions, disturb sleep, and negatively affect quality of life. Petitioners request enforceable noise limits, continuous monitoring where appropriate, and meaningful setback/buffering requirements.
C. Increased Traffic and Road Safety
Petitioners are concerned about increased construction and operational traffic, including heavy trucks, on local roads that may already be constrained. Petitioners request an independent traffic impact study addressing intersections, school bus routes, emergency response access, and required road improvements—with all costs borne by the applicant.
D. Infrastructure Impacts (Electricity, Water, and Sewer)
Petitioners are concerned that the Proposed Development’s utility demands may require new or expanded infrastructure, including transmission lines, substations, water lines, wastewater capacity, and related facilities, potentially imposing cost burdens on residents or increasing service risks. Petitioners request:
• full disclosure of projected peak and average electricity usage;
• identification of required grid upgrades/substations/transmission work;
• full accounting of water usage (including cooling method) and wastewater generation;
• confirmation of available capacity and a binding commitment that the applicant will fund necessary upgrades.
E. Impact on Property Values and Community Character
Petitioners are concerned that industrial-scale facilities, associated security features (fences, lighting), and utility infrastructure may negatively affect nearby property values and alter the community’s rural/suburban character.
F. Consistency with Long-Term Planning and the Comprehensive Plan
Petitioners contend that approval of the Proposed Development may be inconsistent with applicable long-term planning goals, land use maps, and/or the jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan. Petitioners request findings that any approval is consistent with adopted planning policies and that any departure is justified by the record.
G. Public Health, Safety, Welfare, and Morality
Petitioners object to the Proposed Development to the extent it undermines public health, safety, welfare, and morals, including through noise, traffic hazards, environmental degradation, infrastructure strain, and reduced livability.
V. Legal and Procedural Considerations (Georgia)
Petitioners request strict adherence to all applicable procedural requirements governing zoning and land use decisions, including public notice and hearings.
Georgia courts have recognized that zoning actions must comply with due process requirements under the Georgia Constitution, including adequate notice and opportunity to be heard where required. See, e.g., Bell v. Studdard, 220 Ga. 756, 141 S.E.2d 536 (1965) (addressing constitutional infirmity where an ordinance failed to provide for notice and hearing to affected owners).
Petitioners further request that the governing authority ensure compliance with the Georgia Zoning Procedures Law and any applicable local ordinances implementing those requirements. See OCGA § 36-66-1 (“Zoning Procedures Law”).+
VI. Reservation of Rights
Petitioners reserve the right to submit additional comments, evidence, and legal objections; to participate in all public hearings; and to pursue any remedies available under Georgia law if required procedures are not followed.
VII. Signatures
By signing, each undersigned affirms that they are a citizen/resident and/or property owner in or near Talbot County, Georgia, and supports this Petition Opposing Data Center Development. See attached page(s) for signatures.