Coweta Considers Large Data-Center at Indian Capital Technology Center
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What the Project Entails
At the heart of the discussion is a proposal to construct a large‑scale data‑center on land owned by the Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC), a mixed‑use development located just north of downtown Coweta. The ICTC occupies a 12‑acre parcel that was previously a parcel of farmland and is slated for a 35‑million‑dollar investment aimed at attracting high‑tech businesses. The data‑center component, estimated at 50,000 square feet, would house racks of servers, advanced cooling systems, backup generators, and extensive fiber‑optic connectivity. Proponents argue that the project would create 20 to 30 permanent jobs, from technicians to facility managers, and would generate significant tax revenue for the city and county.
“The data‑center is a strategic fit for Coweta’s economic growth plan,” said City Councilmember Melissa “Mell” Thompson. “It aligns with our goal of diversifying the local economy beyond manufacturing and agriculture.”
Potential Benefits
City officials point to several economic incentives. The data‑center would likely be powered by a new high‑capacity electrical connection from the local utility, a $2‑million upgrade that could reduce electricity costs for the facility. The project’s developers have offered to purchase a significant portion of the local water supply rights to mitigate future scarcity concerns.
In addition to jobs and tax revenue, the city expects the data‑center to spur ancillary businesses such as catering, maintenance, and security services. “We’re looking at a ripple effect that will support a range of small businesses across Coweta,” explained Mayor Dorsey.
Resident Concerns
Despite the optimism, many residents express worries about the environmental and infrastructural impacts. The data‑center’s high power draw raises questions about the strain on the existing electrical grid, especially during peak demand periods. Environmental advocates have called for a comprehensive environmental impact study to assess the center’s carbon footprint, cooling water usage, and potential heat output in a region that already experiences significant summer heat.
“I’m concerned about what this means for our local water resources and how the heat from the servers might affect the neighborhood,” said resident Lisa Hernandez, who has lived in Coweta for over two decades. “We need assurances that our environment and quality of life won’t be compromised.”
Follow‑up and Community Input
The city’s revised meeting schedule includes a Q&A segment where residents can submit questions to the council and the developers. The meeting’s agenda, accessible via a PDF link on the Coweta City Hall website, details the presentation materials that will be used to explain the project’s scope, the proposed site layout, and the anticipated economic impact assessment.
For further context, the Indian Capital Technology Center’s official website offers a map of the proposed site, a diagram of the data‑center layout, and a short video tour of the existing facilities. The center’s page also lists the current development phases and the projected timeline, indicating that the data‑center could begin construction in the summer of 2025, with operations expected to commence in late 2026.
The city has also released a preliminary environmental study summary that is being reviewed by the Coweta County Planning Commission. The report highlights the project’s projected greenhouse‑gas emissions, water usage, and heat island effect, and calls for mitigation strategies such as on‑site renewable energy generation and advanced cooling technologies.
What Happens Next
Councilmember Thompson emphasized that the city will continue to assess the project’s feasibility through a series of public forums. “We want to make sure every voice is heard before any contracts are signed,” she said. The city has invited the developers to submit a more detailed environmental impact statement (EIS) before the next council meeting, and a working group of local stakeholders will review the EIS in the weeks leading up to April 7.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming meeting or submit comments online through the city’s public comment portal. City officials have stressed that the project’s success hinges on community support and rigorous oversight.
Bottom Line
The postponement of Coweta’s public meeting on the Indian Capital Technology Center data‑center reflects the city’s commitment to thorough, community‑inclusive decision making. While the project promises economic growth, job creation, and tax revenue, residents remain rightly vigilant about its environmental and infrastructural implications. The next meeting will be pivotal in determining whether the data‑center can become a model of sustainable, tech‑driven development for Coweta and the broader region.
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