Social Circle Officials Clear Path for Second Data Center, Cementing Georgia’s Tech Corridor

     Social Circle, Ga. — The city of Social Circle is poised to become an even more prominent player in Georgia’s booming digital infrastructure sector after officials advanced a rezoning request that could bring a massive second data center to the area. The Social Circle Planning Commission narrowly voted 3-2 to recommend rezoning 338 acres along Interstate 20 from agricultural to light industrial use, a move that would allow Atlanta-based SC Infrastructure LLC and TPA Group to construct a 2.5-million-square-foot, nine-building data center campus.

This latest project, if approved by the City Council, would join a growing cluster of data centers in the region, including Meta’s sprawling facility in nearby Stanton Springs and a recently approved 1.78-million-square-foot campus by Sailfish Investors along Social Circle Parkway. The new data center is planned for a five-year build-out beginning in 2028, with completion targeted for 2033.

     The rezoning reflects a broader trend in Georgia, where data center developments have surged, accounting for a 30% increase in industrial land use proposals statewide in 2024 alone. Social Circle’s strategic location along I-20 and proximity to Atlanta have made it a magnet for large-scale digital infrastructure investments.

     Supporters of the project point to significant economic benefits, including hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, increased tax revenue, and infrastructure upgrades that could ripple through the local economy. The $5 billion investment would make the data center one of the largest of its kind in the state, further solidifying Georgia’s reputation as a southeastern tech hub.

     However, the proposal has not been without controversy. Planning commissioners who opposed the rezoning cited concerns over water usage, power supply, and the long-term impact on the city’s character and resources. The commission has called for further studies on cooling systems, electrical grid capacity, and enhanced landscaping to mitigate the visual impact of the project.

     The City Council is expected to vote on the rezoning in the coming weeks following additional community input and legal review. If approved, Social Circle would not only gain another major data center but also reinforce its role at the epicenter of Georgia’s digital transformation, attracting further investment and technological innovation to the region