STATESBORO — In front of a standing-room-only crowd and against the shouts and honks of protesters outside, the City of Statesboro voted to approve a rezoning request that would allow for a future data center development. The rezoned property is a 26.49-acre parcel at 6529 Burkhalter Road. The City Council voted 3-2 to approve rezoning this property from “R-4” high-density residential to “O” office or business district at the request of Augusta-based 4AM Development LLC. The development group has shared that it’s been in talks with potential companies to operate a data center at the site, which new zoning would allow. District 1 Councilwoman Tangie Johnson and District 3 Councilwoman Ginny Hendley voted to approve the rezoning request. District 4 Councilman John Riggs and Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr voted against it. Mayor Johnathan McCollar broke the tie, and the motion to approve the rezoning request was passed. The council made this decision in front of a packed chamber, filled mostly with people opposed to the rezoning and data center development within the Statesboro city limits. About five people had the chance to speak against the rezoning request during a 15-minute public hearing time slot. They raised concerns about property values, pollution and disrupting the integrity of a residential area. “I think it’s awful what they’re doing … to the people of Statesboro,” Barbara Ortega, a nearby resident of the site, said. “I just moved here in March … to a quiet place with no…
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