Port Wentworth Planning Commission Rejects Data Center Zoning Proposal

The Port Wentworth planning commission voted unanimously to reject a proposal to define data centers in the city's zoning ordinance. This non-binding recommendation will be considered by the city council on Thursday.

City Attorney Scott Robichaux stated the proposed change aimed to establish reasonable rules for potential data centers. Public comments, primarily opposed to data centers, expressed concerns about water and electricity demands, citing that a large data center could use over a million gallons of water daily.

Residents also raised issues regarding noise and air pollution, insufficient power grid capacity, and potential impacts on home values. The city has a permit for 232,000 gallons of water daily but currently uses about 200,000 gallons.

Port Wentworth does not have any signed agreements for data centers, but Robichaux noted they are expected to come to the Savannah area. The planning commission's decision reflects significant community opposition.