Editor's Note: After publication, a knowledgeable community member provided additional context that has been incorporated into this article. The battery storage facility site sits adjacent to both the DC BLOX data center campus (72 acres) and the MMM Acquisitions mega site (262.99 acres) — also on Farmer Road. MMM Acquisitions has deferred its decision until July when the county's Unified Development Ordinance is finalized. Additionally, the company name in the original zoning application is being verified — the transcript recorded "Zerostal" but may be "Zurisol." This article will be updated once confirmed.
Not sure what a Battery Energy Storage System actually is? Read my breakdown: [CJ Explains: What Is a BESS and Why Is One Coming to Rockbridge Road?]
Two proposed data center applications were quietly tabled Thursday night at a Rockdale County Board of Commissioners zoning meeting, while a controversial proposal to rezone nearly 50 acres of residential land drew sharp opposition from residents who packed the meeting room.
The data center cases, R3 and R4, were granted continuances at the applicants' request and will not return until July 2026, after the county's Unified Development Ordinance is expected to be finalized.
The main event was Item R5: a rezoning request filed by Zerostal LLC on behalf of Treaty Oak Energy to reclassify 48.48 acres at 2002 Rockbridge Road NW from single-family residential to M2 General Industrial for a Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS.
Treaty Oak representative Patrick Duffy told the board the facility could power 160,000 homes for four hours during a grid emergency, would generate an estimated $45 million in property tax revenue over its lifetime, and would require no tax abatements. He said the site was chosen for its proximity to a Georgia Power switchyard across the street — not because of any relationship with nearby data centers.
Six residents signed up to oppose the project. Pastor Eugene Nixon, whose church sits near the proposed site on Rockbridge Road, told the board he supports renewable energy but not heavy industrial use next to homes, schools, and churches.
"By allowing these companies to enter, you're pushing communities out," Nixon said.
Farmer Road resident Linda Aikens Young noted that both speakers in favor of the project were from outside Rockdale County.
Amanda Kirkland told commissioners she had spent months tracking data center and battery storage developments in the area. Using census data, she estimated approximately 6,800 residents live within one mile of the proposed site.
"Seven thousand residents demand accountability," Kirkland said.
Among the most striking testimony came from Qualey Simmons, a resident who lives near the DC Blocks Data Center currently under construction nearby. Simmons said construction blasting has caused her ceilings to come down, her garage to crack, and a nearby lake to turn murky. She said no one has taken responsibility for the damage.
No vote was taken Thursday night. Per board procedure, decisions are rendered at the next scheduled BOC meeting. I will continue following this story.
Residents with concerns may contact me at cj@cjlesterinvestigates.com or at the tip line: (470) 996-6915.
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