Council shelves proposal to allow data centers in Atlanta's West End
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A controversial ordinance that would have allowed data centers in Atlanta's Adair Park neighborhood and Historic West End District will not go ahead.
Why it matters: The ordinance introduced by Council member Antonio Lewis was widely panned by residents and elected officials, including Jason Dozier and Mayor Andre Dickens who on Monday wrote a letter to express his opposition.
Driving the news: The Atlanta City Council on Monday unanimously approved Lewis' motion to "file" the ordinance — effectively shelving the proposal.
Catch up quick: Lewis introduced the ordinance after the Council voted earlier this year to ban data centers along the Beltline and within a half-mile of a MARTA transit station.
- The neighborhood planning unit that was tasked with reviewing the ordinance voted against it, and city staff and the Zoning Review Board also recommended denial.
- However, the Council's Zoning Committee approved it, moving it to the full Council for consideration.
What they're saying: Dickens wrote in his letter that data centers "make it more difficult to develop affordable housing, grocery, green space, and retail, which are all more suitable projects for the urban core of our city."
- He also said the city recently purchased the Mall West End for redevelopment, and is working on a plan to transform Murphy Crossing into a transit-oriented development.
- "Allowing a data center in this area now would hamper if not stall each of these projects," Dickens wrote.
- West End resident Terry Ross told Council members on Monday that he and other members of the community are opposed to anything "we find (to be) detrimental to the commercial corridor."
The intrigue: After the mayor's letter made the rounds, Lewis toned down support of his legislation during the Council meeting.
- If the city follows through on the redevelopment plans outlined in Dickens' letter, Atlanta will soon "build the city we want to on the south side," Lewis said.
Zoom out: Politicians and communities around the country are opposing data centers due to issues ranging from aesthetics and noise to national security and housing costs, Axios' Asher Price and Mimi Montgomery report.
Context: Data center construction activity in metro Atlanta increased 76% from August 2023 to August 2024, according to real estate research firm CBRE.
- Demand will fuel new centers and expansions thanks to growing development of energy-hungry AI.
What we're watching: Zoning Committee chairman and Council member Matt Westmoreland told Axios that Lewis would have to introduce a new ordinance if he wants the proposal to be reconsidered.