Members of the Jones County Board of Commissioners and the Planning and Zoning Commission listened to concerned citizens at a work session last week.
The Oct. 30 work session was called to order by Board Chairman Chris Weidener. Commissioners Sam Kitchens, Wendy Vaughn and John Wood were also in attendance as were four of five members of the Planning and Zoning Board: Stephen Hoyt, Kyle Pressley, Teresa Chambers and Chairman Earlene Hamilton.
The Jones County Development Authority was represented by Chairman Erik Varnadoe and Executive Director Haley Watson.
Members of the community were also included in the seating around the square.
The meeting room was set up differently with members in a square to encourage discussion. Weidner asked County Administrator Jason Rizner to begin the discussion.
After introducing himself, Rizner explained that the process was still in the beginning stages. He said Kitchens came up with a proposal for standards that was circulated to those in attendance. The document was titled Data Center Development Standards and included three defined levels of data centers. Level 1 is for minor data centers with a footprint less than 20,000 square feet and not requiring a power substation. Level 1 facilities would be permitted in C-2 commercial zones with conditional use permits.
Level 2 is for major data centers between 20,000 square feet and 100,000 square feet, requiring one or more substations. Level 2 facilities would be permitted in M-2 industrial zones with conditional use permits.
Level 3 is for campus data centers of 100,000 square feet or more, also utilizing one or more substations. Level 3 facilities would be permitted only in designated industrial parks.
The standards include requirements for their cooling systems, specifically closed loop and water conservation strategies, noise restrictions, site design standards, fire protection and alternative power sources.
Cryptocurrency mining operations are prohibited in all zones.
In addition to those standards, the applications must include decommissioning plans.
Kitchens thanked everyone in attendance and stated it was not the last meeting about data centers; it was the first. He said the goal for the work session is to have a discussion about bullet points.
“There are big differences in the types and their impact on communities,” he said. “We have some small ones in Jones County now that really use no more resources than other businesses.”
The commissioner said the state has designated a board to handle the mega centers, and they have to go in industrial parks. He said no matter the size, the county still has the right to ask more questions.
Kitchens said it would be the level 2 that county would probably be dealing with.
“I hope everyone agrees the level 3 will only go in an industrial park,” he said.
Hoyt asked if it would make a difference if the land was bought or leased.
Zoning Officer Tim Pitrowski said the standards would apply to either. In answer to another question, the officer said if the facility was sold, the same standards and conditional use requirements would remain with the property.
Fletcher Sams with Riverkeepers had a question about the power required and the use of eminent domain.
“My concern is with the hyperscale facilities,” he said.
Other discussions included power substations, conditional uses, property leases and transmission lines for electricity.
Kitchens said if a project needs more property than is available in the industrial park, it is not feasible here.
“Everything built before three years ago is where horror stories come from,” he stated.
Other community members participating in the discussion were Alex Lefholz, Dustin Riley and Kay Norris.
Gray Mayor Pro Tem James Collins thanked the commissioners for including the city in the discussion. He said he understood the county has invested a lot of money in the industrial park and understands the goal is for it to be used.
“I appreciate that the commissioners are taking the time to make sure it is done right,” he said.
Weidner said Kitchens did most of the work, but Kitchens said it was a team effort.
“We value everything that is brought to the table,” the commissioner said.
Collins asked the tax benefits of a date center. Varnadoe said it is estimated at $54 million the first year, $24 million year two and $14 million year three. After that, it starts over again because equipment has to be replaced.
Wood said that would take a burden off Jones County property owners.
Riley commented that, by and large, people are OK with growth as long as the right protections are in place.
Weidner said transparency is good for everyone.
If the text amendment moves forward on schedule, it will go to the planning commission Nov. 17.
The work session is accessible to view in its entirety on the county’s website, jonescountyga. org.
