A billion-dollar data center plan is splitting residents in Bartow County, Georgia. Officials approved the project this week for a 560-acre site off State Route 293 near Kingston. Opposition is already vocal.
Crews will clear the site for a 350,000-square-foot computing facility. WSB-TV reported the plan on Wednesday, speaking with residents on both sides of the debate.
Angela Hogue, who lives in Bartow County, said she and her husband oppose the project. “My husband and I don’t agree with it,” Hogue said. She is against Bartow County and Kingston becoming home to another Georgia data center. Fellow resident James Nation shared the frustration: “I hate them, honestly. They’re taking over everywhere you look. They’re putting up another one.” Dana Nation added, “It’s just not something we need out here.” Another project that seems to be facing backlash is OpenAI’s Project Camellia data center as Effingham County Board of Commissioners has delayed its vote on the data center site plan until Nov. 17.
Scope of implementation on the Bartow County data center project
The developer has not released a construction timeline or completion date. Even so, its website outlines the financial commitments. The project will generate a minimum of $2 million in taxes and fees each year. That figure equals twice the annual budget of Kingston, a city of just over 700 people.
The developer says the money could fund property tax relief, infrastructure upgrades and other benefits. The project is also expected to create numerous construction jobs alongside 50 to 100 high-paying permanent positions.
Opponents cite familiar concerns. Residents claim data centres cause environmental damage, increased water consumption, higher electric bills and noise. Brandon McCoy pointed to different priorities entirely. “I think they should be doing something different. Like, we have a big homeless problem right here in Bartow County,” he said.
Outlook for the Kingston data center debate
Kingston’s city government supports the project because it needs the tax revenue. The arrangement therefore sets up a familiar Georgia standoff. A small town trades land and patience for revenue, while residents see only costs.
Some locals already see upside. “It does create more jobs to help the economy and does provide economic structure,” said Dillon Cribb.
For now, the site has approval, the developer has no timeline, and the argument has barely started. The tax money arrives only after construction, and the neighbours intend to keep watching.
Project Overview
- Project Value: Billion-dollar development
- Location: Off State Route 293, Bartow County
- City: Kingston, Georgia
- Status: Site approved this week
Scope
- 560-acre cleared site
- 350,000-square-foot computing facility
- Construction timeline not released
- Completion date not disclosed
Project Highlights
- $2 million minimum annual taxes
- Twice Kingston’s yearly budget
- 50 to 100 permanent jobs
- Numerous construction positions expected
Key Developments
- Site approval granted this week
- Developer published tax projections
- Residents organised opposition
- City backs tax revenue plan
Key Challenges
- Resident opposition over environment
- Water consumption concerns raised
- Noise complaints expected
- No construction timeline published
Outlook
- Revenue funds city services
- Tax relief and upgrades promised
- Community debate continues
- Construction start still unknown
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