Rockbridge Coalition to host virtual meeting on proposed Data Center in Ellenwood

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The Rockbridge Coalition is inviting the community to a virtual meeting on Sept. 20, 10 a.m., to discuss concerns surrounding a proposed data center in the Ellenwood area of Southeast DeKalb. 

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The Coalition, whose mission is to preserve the quality of life in local communities, says the proposed project raises important questions about how and where these large-scale data facilities should be located. 

A data center is a large, secure building that holds powerful computers  called servers. These servers store and process information people use when going online to shop, email, social media and other activities.   Because they run 24hours a day, the data  centers need a huge amount of electricity and water to keep the servers cool. They may bring noise from cooling equipment, heavy power use and increased water demand, which is why it is important for counties and cities to have clear rules about where they can be built and how are managed. 

Currently, DeKalb County does not have clearly defined zoning criteria for regulating data centers.

With large tracts of open land available in Southeast DeKalb, residents are concerned that these facilities could be built close to residential communities without adequate guidelines in place.

“Our central question is What impact will data centers have on the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Lance Hammonds, who chairs the Rockdale Coalition.

The Coalition’s virtual meeting will provide information on the potential impacts of the data centers and ways for residents to ensure their voices will be heard in the county’s decision-making process. 

For more information about the meeting or Coalition, email info@therockbridgecoalition.org. To register for the meeting, click the link in the flyer.