Here’s a reason to stay until the end of a County Commission meeting.
A proposed data center ordinance was read at the March 2, 2026, Irwin County Commission meeting, according to correspondence between the former data center applicant’s attorney and the Irwin County Attorney.
It was not on the agenda. I’m guessing they read it under
13. NEW BUSINESS
a. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO ZONING FOR DATA CENTER
Tomorrow in Ocilla there is a a Public Hearing about Datacenter Ordinance –Irwin County Board of Commissioners 2026-03-17.
Irwinville Data Center, Withdrawn by Applicant 2026-03-02, Irwin County Commission, and Developments of Regional Impact (DRI)
I got the attorney correspondence by asking in an open records request for the applicant withdrawal letter that staff read at the Public Hearing on March 2.
First, that withdrawal letter.
Then a document on Developments of Regional Impact (DRI).
Then a couple of maps labeled as Concept Site Plan with the name for the project as Ocilla DC.
Finally, there are images of the rest of the document the County Attorney sent in response to a WWALS open records request. The entire PDF document he sent is on the WWALS website.
James Banter
From: Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 2:28 PM
To: James Banter
Cc: Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.; Stephen A. McCullers
Subject: Withdrawal of Application Number IC-SE-01-2026
External to JBBG
James,
As you know, I am the attorney for the applicant of Application Number IC-SE-01-2026 and first appeared on his behalf during the Public Hearing on February 26, 2026.
This email is formal notice of the applicant’s withdrawal of Application Number IC-SE-01-2026. This withdrawal is without prejudice to the applicant’s or any other entity’s ability to file the same or similar application for approval, or to file an application for map amendment for the property located at 0 Ponderosa Drive and 0 Alapaha Road, Ocilla, Georgia and other surrounding properties.
Please let me know if you need anything else in association with this withdrawal.
Thank you,
GeraldGerald L. Pouncey Jr.
Senior Counsel
gpouncey@taftlaw.com
Dir: 404.504.7738
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30326taftlaw.com
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DRI198405929.5
Developments of Regional Impact
PDF
III. The Proposed Data Center Project Lacks Sufficient Specificity at this Time to Conduct the DRI Process
PDF
After the Public Hearing, 2026-03-02 –jsq for WWALS
Maps
These are a little higher resolution than the ones we’ve seen before.
Overall Concept Site Plan, Ocilla DC, City of Ocilla, Irwin County, GA, 2025-02-01 –Kimley Horn, Mobile, AL
PDF
Concept Site Plan, Ocilla DC, City of Ocilla, Irwin County, GA, 2025-02-01 –Kimley Horn, Mobile, AL
PDF
The rest of the images are below.
-jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®
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Preparation
[Introductions] James Banter, Irwin County Attorney, 2026-02-20 and –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr. for the applicant
PDF
Scan-0017.html I am forwarding to you next the proposed action by Irwin County we would suggest on the Data Center matter and the memo explaining the reasoning. 2026-02-22 at 7:39 PM I’m available all day tomorrow to discuss. –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
PDF
James When convenient please confirmed you received. 2026-02-22 7:48 PM I received an error message when I sent. –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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To: vince.thompson@irwincounty-ga.gov; russbryant@ymail.com; Neill Cc: James Banter, 2026-02-22 7:56 PM All My communication with James tonight after a very productive discussion Friday. Gerald
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Attachments: Draft Resolution DRI Process.pdf, 2026-02-22 at 9:03 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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I think you should have both of them now. Apologies. 2026-02-22 9:04 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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James Thank you again for being available late Friday. Any initial thoughts on the documents I forwarded. 2026-02-23 12:48:56 PM Could we speak sometime late today in light of the tight timeline. –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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Meeting scheduling for 2026-02-23 at 3:30 PM
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Thanks, Sydney. @Gerald L. Pouncey Jr. – do you have time for a quick check in call today? 2026-02-26 9:43 AM I have some availability from 11:30-1:30, and later in the afternoon. –James Banter
PDF
I am working with Gerald on the Irwin County data center matter. Thank you for sending over the Code of Ordinances. Gerald asked me to send you a copy of the Zoning Ordinance that we have. 2026-02-23 7:28 PM I received the Zoning Ordinance from Jessica Harris, who is the Irwin County Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Ordinance is attached. –Sydney H. Brogden
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Attached are the most recent concept plans we have. I have a call into the client about whether we have anything more recent. 2026-02-26 12:38 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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Could you give me a call when convenient today regarding proceedings last night. 2026-02-27 9:20 AM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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If your meeting runs long I can also speak tonight after your children are in bed. 2026-02-27 4:55 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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Do we need to get you something today in writing that we are withdrawing application. 2026-03-02 1:00 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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That’s what my client has decided. We will provide written notice shortly. 2026-03-02 1:36 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
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Applicant withdrawal of Application Number IC-SE-01-2026. 2026-03-02 2:28 PM –Gerald L. Pouncey Jr.
PDF
The draft ordinance has now been uploaded to the County website as of this morning. 2026-03-04 9:31 AM –James Banter
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Can you please provide a copy of the proposed Data Center Ordinance that was read at this week’s Board of Commissioners meeting?
PDF
Short Link:

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