Somebody asked why three Planning Commissioners opposed the rezoning for the potential datacenter site south of North Valdosta Road and the Foxborough subdivision, on the west (right) bank of the Withlacoochee River.

According to the draft minutes of the July 30, 2026, GLPC meeting, “Four (4) voted in favor, three (3) opposed (Graham, J. Miller & Foreman) (4-3). Motion carried.”

Also according to those draft minutes:

• “Commissioner Graham asked if tractor trailers are a concern. Mr. Dillard explained that Condition #2 addresses that with regard to any change of use and requirements.”
• “Vice-Chairman Miller asked if studies have been done to assess the impacts on groundwater with similar developments. Mr. Langdale explained that new models address that with cooling/recycling water systems.”
• “Commissioner Foreman asked to verify that the development is currently speculative. Mr. Langdale confirmed.”

See below for LAKE videos of everything everyone said about that rezoning item in that meeting.

Coleman Road rezoning of potential datacenter site @ Greater Lowndes Planning Commission, June 30, 2025

If you want to know what they were thinking beyond that, you could go to tonight’s 5:30 PM GLPC meeting and ask them before or after the meeting.

For much more about datacenters, including the LAKE videos of the Lowndes County Commission meetings about this rezoning, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/datacenter

Commissioner Calvin Graham is a Lowndes County appointee. Commissioner George Foreman and Vice Chair James Miller are Valdosta appointees.

Please note that James Miller and Chairman Steve Miller are not the same person.

1. Call to Order, Pledge and Invocation, 2025-06-30 @ GLPC, LAKE video: Vice-Chair James Miller and Chair Steve Miller

LAKE summary from June 2026

This is what I wrote back then about the June 30, 2026, meeting of the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC).

Speaking for the second rezoning, 4. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd C-C R-1 CON to M-1 CON, Pope Langdale said that because of the railroad, which also often has a train parked on it, something would have to change to enable developing the part east of the railroad.

Pope Langdale spoke for, 2025-06-30 REZ-2025-11 @ GLPC, LAKE video

What could change is they could get access from US 41 through the 71 acres owned by DJ Land & Development LLC. The same company owns the most southwest lot in Foxborough, at 4662 Briarberry Drive. That’s another way access could be provided to the rezoning subject property: through Briarberry Drive. Quail Hollow, off of Foxborough Blvd., also deadends into the subject property. I suppose that’s what the first condition is about.

Against: Dr. Jeana B. Seemann, 4634 Briarberry Drive, 2025-06-30 REZ-2025-11 @ GLPC, LAKE video

Speakers against included Dr. Jeana B. Seemann, 4634 Briarberry Drive, at 15 minutes and 10 seconds. That’s on the west side of Foxbury, about 674 feet from the north border of the east tract of the subject property. She is worried about drop in home values due to noise from industrial activities. She thinks the proposed 200-foot buffer zone is less than a football field, and is not enough.

Also, red cockaged wood peckers and gopher tortoises are prevalent on the subject property, as she observed during a project at VSU. Less trees means more erosion.

She said noise was already a problem because Mr. Motley (who is the Registered Agent for DJ Land & Development LLC, had recently clearcut the land directly to her west. She did not note, but I will, that that would make it easier for any future decision to provide access through that tract to the rezoning subject east tract.

Dr. Seemann would like more protection for all of that than the intent of the current landowner.

Against: Gretchen Quarterman, 6565 Quarterman Road, 2025-06-30 REZ-2025-11 @ GLPC, LAKE video

Also speaking against was Gretchen Quarterman, 6565 Quarterman Road, at 19 minutes and 45 seconds. She said she wasn’t necessarily speaking against. But the subject property is directly across the Withlacoochee River from Langdale Park, which is chronically flooded. She wants to make sure the river is corrected. She noted that while crossing the railroad could be very difficult, that doesn’t mean it is impossible.

Against: Jeana Strickland, ???? Briarberry Drive, 2025-06-30 REZ-2025-11 @ GLPC, LAKE video

Another speaker was Jeana Strickland(?), at 21 minutes and 4 seconds, She said, “I also live on Briarberry.” I don’t know where, because I don’t see anybody by that name on Briarberry in the Lowndes County Tax Assessors maps. Anyway, she noted that some of the subject land appeared to be for sale. Also, she said many of the houses on Briarberry had flooded recently. She worried that the proposed development could cause more flooding. And a 200-foot buffer zone wasn’t much against flooding.

Against: Windy Scott, 4629 Briarberry Drive, 2025-06-30 REZ-2025-11 @ GLPC, LAKE video

Windy Scott, 4629 Briarberry Drive, at 22 minutes and 13 seconds, said there was an apartment complex going up across the street, making traffic already horrendous. She worried that this proposed rezoning would make traffic and accidents worse.

Against: Don Driebelbis, 4629 Rustic Ridge Road, 2025-06-30 REZ-2025-11 @ GLPC, LAKE video

Don Driebelbis, at 24 minutes, said he lives at 4629 Rustic Ridge Road. That’s on the south edge of Foxborough, adjoining the rezoning subject property. He said he works for a trucking company, and due to his experience, he worries about hazardous spills. Also crime, with people breaking into cars and houses.

The Planning Commissioners discussed with County Planner JD Dillard, including that the zoning and conditions would stay with the property, regardless of any future owner. Any changes would require going back through the rezoning process.

They voted to recommend approval with conditions by a 4 to 3 vote with the seven conditions recommended by staff.

The seven conditions are:

1. There shall be no access to Briarberry Drive and Quail Hollow Circle from the subject property.
2. Should a change in use occur where additional transportation and/or water/sewer infrastructure upgrades are required, the Developer will be responsible for the design, any acquisition of necessary right-of-way, relocation of utilities, and construction costs for the infrastructure improvements.
3. All lots shall front interior roads.
4. A 200′ undisturbed buffer shall be required along the Northern, and Southern property lines abutting current Residential Zoning District boundaries.
5. Any lighting located on the property shall be shielded and directed to avoid direct illumination of adjacent properties zoned Residentially.
6. Any loudspeakers, paging systems, or electromagnetic interference generated on or by uses of the property shall be designed, installed and used such that they are not discernable at any abutting property line zoned Residentially.
7. Correctional Facilities, Transitional Care Facilities, and Kennels with Outdoor Runs shall not be allowed.

LAKE videos

Here is the LAKE video of that item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman.

4. REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd., a portion of 0055 021, ~719 acres
Current Zoning: C-C (Crossroads Commercial), R-1 (Low Density Residential) and
CON (Conservation District)
Proposed Zoning: M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and CON (Conservation District)

The reason they are asking for CC is to have buildings larger that 30,000 square feet.

Pope Langdale spoke for the project.
Several people spoke against.

Vote was 4-3 to approve with seven conditions.

For the LAKE videos of the entire meeting, see: Videos: Two Lowndes County rezonings @ GLPC 2025-06-30.

Draft Minutes

Here’s what the draft minutes say about that June 30, 2025, GLPC meeting. (I would use the posted approved minutes, but the Lowndes County Agenda Center does not provide any way to look at minutes earlier than the current year.)

Agenda Item #4

REZ-2025-11 Langdale Capital Assets, Coleman Rd., a portion of 0055 021, ~719 ac.

Current Zoning: C-C (Crossroads Commercial), R-1 (Low Density Residential, and CON (Conservation District)

Proposed Zoning: M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and CON (Conservation District)

Mr. Dillard presented the case in which the applicant is requesting a change in zoning on the subject property from C-C (Crossroads Commercial), R-1 (Low Density Residential) and CON (Conservation District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and CON (Conservation District). The general motivation in this case is for the subject property to be developed into a large warehouse type campus.

Proposed access for the subject property is along Coleman Road, a paved County Collector Road. The property is also split by the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The Comprehensive Plan Future Development Map depicts the subject property within the Urban Service Area, with Tract 1 depicted as an Industrial Activity Center Character Area, and Tract 2 mixed between Community Activity Center, Recreation and Conservation, Suburban, and Transportation and Utilities Character Areas.

The TRC analyzed the request, the standards governing the exercise of zoning power set forth in 10.01.05 of the ULDC, and factors most relevant to this application, including the neighboring land uses, the environmentally sensitive wetlands and flood plains, the availability of County Utilities, the potential scale of the proposed development, the review process for a Development of Regional Impact (DRI1), and support of a growing and balanced economy.

Therefore, the TRC recommends Approval of the request with the following seven (7) conditions:

1. There shall be no access to Briarberry Drive and Quail Hollow Circle from the subject property.
2. Should a change in use occur where additional transportation and/or water/sewer infrastructure upgrades are required, the Developer will be responsible for the design, any acquisition of necessary right-of-way, relocation of utilities, and construction costs for the infrastructure improvements.
3. All lots shall front interior roads.
4. A 200′ undisturbed buffer shall be required along the Northern, and Southern property lines abutting current Residential Zoning District boundaries.
5. Any lighting located on the property shall be shielded and directed to avoid direct illumination of adjacent properties zoned Residentially.
6. Any loudspeakers, paging systems, or electromagnetic interference generated on or by uses of the property shall be designed, installed and used such that they are not discernable at any abutting property line zoned Residentially.
7. Correctional Facilities, Transitional Care Facilities, and Kennels with Outdoor Runs shall not be allowed.

Commissioner Bailey confirmed that the conditions stated are the actual proposed conditions. Mr. Dillard confirmed. Further discussion focused on allowable uses in M-1 zoning and that they are very similar with a few exceptions to those uses allowed in C-H (Highway Commercial) zoning.

There being no questions for staff, Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing portion of the case.

Speaking in favor of the request:

• Pope Langdale, Applicant – 400 Mack Drive

Mr. Langdale stressed that the intent is to not affect any residential neighbor. Buildings will be low enough to not be seen from homes and that there will be significant buffering in place.

Commissioner Rountree reiterated the 200′ tree buffer as proposed in Condition #4. Mr. Langdale stated that there will probably be even more due to Wetlands and the Conservation District. Commissioner Hightower asked if there is intent to clear-cut the subject property. Mr. Langdale stated there is not. Commissioner Willis asked if there is any sort of firm plan right now or if everything is speculative. Mr. Langdale responded that it is mostly speculative but there is some interest in a data center. However, there are considerable hurdles that must be addressed first. Mr. Langdale also stated the train tracks cause an access issue, making it difficult to even use the east tract. Commissioner Foreman asked to verify that the development is currently speculative. Mr. Langdale confirmed. Vice-Chairman Miller asked if studies have been done to assess the impacts on groundwater with similar developments. Mr. Langdale explained that new models address that with cooling/recycling water systems. Commissioner Willis asked about water sewer provisions. County Water & Sewer are available.

Speaking in opposition to the request:

• LaRae Seeman — 4634 Briarberry Dr.
• Gretchen Quarterman — 6565 Quarterman Rd.
• Jeana Strickland — 4634 Briarberry Dr.
• Windy Scott — 4629 Briarberry Dr.
• Don Dreibelbis — 4629 Rustic Ridge Rd.

Ms. Seeman stated she feels threatened by the intent. Concerned about home values, environmental impact, health issues, safety issues, and sound barrier. Stated there is a need for durable protection.

Ms. Quarterman stated her concern is about the water flow into the river and the flood zone as the property is directly across from Langdale Park.

Ms. Strickland inquired about whether the zoning classification stays with the property is it is sold. Also concerned about the flood zone and run-off.

Ms. Scott’s concerns involved traffic flow. She asked how that and flooding issues will be addressed.

Mr. Dreibelbis stated he works for a trucking company and is concerned about noise, hazardous materials and crime from the interstate, and asked that the eastern portion not be rezoned.

Commissioner Willis asked if the flood plain has been delineated yet, if run-off has been looked at yet, and if there has been a traffic study conducted. Additionally, he verified that burning trees is allowable even now. Mr. Dillard confirmed that burning is permissible as currently zoned and the flood plain has not yet been delineated, Engineering will evaluate the potential run-off, and an overall traffic study was conducted in the area when the Camelot Crossing development was proposed. Commissioner Hightower asked about an environmental study. Mr. Dillard stated that there will be one done for the entire property. Mr. Bailey asked if the scale shown in the presentation was actual or hypothetical. Mr. Dillard explained it was purely hypothetical.

Commissioner Graham asked if tractor trailers are a concern. Mr. Dillard explained that Condition #2 addresses that with regard to any change of use and requirements. Chairman Miller asked about potential chemical. Mr. Dillard explained that M-1 zoning is the least intrusive manufacturing zoning category that restricts that sort of thing. Commissioner Willis asked for clarification about zoning categories if the property sells. Mr. Dillard explained that zoning classifications and any conditions imposed run with the property, even if sold.

There being no further discussion, Chairman Miller called for a motion. Motion by Commissioner Bailey to recommend approval of the request as presented with the seven (7) conditions as recommended by staff. Commissioner Hightower second. Four (4) voted in favor, three (3) opposed (Graham, J. Miller & Foreman) (4-3). Motion carried.

-jsq

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