City council tables data center zoning
Posted/updated on: April 15, 2026 at 5:12 pm
ATHENS – Athens City Council has hit the pause button regarding potential zoning changes around a data center. Data Center developer Data Factory has leased land in the city. Their website says they plan to open with 10 megawatts of power this year, along with bitcoin mining operations.
Dozens of citizens showed up to Monday night’s city council meeting, with many waiting outside the council chambers. Every resident who spoke in the public comment session of the meeting spoke against the data center. Athens City Council members were set to vote on several potential zoning changes, including codifying what is classified as a data center. Officials say previous zoning laws did not account for this project.
Right now, it’s unclear how much water the center would use. City council unanimously voted to table all zoning items related to the data center. Officials plan to review and research those changes.
