DeKalb County Commissioner Nicole Massiah praised the Board of Commissioners’ decision to extend the county’s data center moratorium until September 30, 2026, calling the action an important step toward ensuring residents have a voice in shaping the future of their communities.
The 100-day moratorium extension comes as county leaders continue reviewing proposed regulations governing the location, design, environmental impact, and operation of data centers throughout DeKalb County.
In a 5-to-2 vote, Massiah has consistently supported a pause on new data center development until county officials gather more information and evaluate the long-term impacts these facilities may have on neighborhoods, infrastructure, parks, utilities, and future land use.
“My position has been clear from the beginning: no data centers in District 3 backyards,” Massiah said. “This has never been about opposing technology or economic development. It’s about making sure we fully understand the impacts before decisions are made that could affect our communities for decades.”
The proposed regulations would establish requirements regarding setbacks from homes, parks, and trails, along with detailed reviews of noise, water usage, energy consumption, lighting, stormwater management, tree preservation, and other community impacts.
Massiah said the extension gives residents and county leaders additional time to review the proposal any final ordinance reflects the needs of the community.
“Residents have raised legitimate questions about water usage, power consumption, noise, environmental impacts, and compatibility with nearby neighborhoods,” Massiah said. “They deserve answers, and they deserve a seat at the table.”
Massiah also pushed back on suggestions that she has not listened to constituents throughout the process.
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners | Manuel J. Maloof Center | 1300 Commerce Drive, 5th Floor | D t GA 30030
“Anyone who has attended community meetings, town halls, or spoken with my office knows that I have been listening every step of the way,” Massiah said. “In fact, many of the concerns residents raised are the very reasons I supported extending the moratorium. Good leadership means listening first, gathering the facts, and then making informed decisions.”
As Chair of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee(PECS), Massiah said she supports responsible economic development but believes growth must be balanced with neighborhoods and quality of life.
“We can support innovation and economic opportunity while also protecting the communities people have worked hard to build,” she said. “Those goals are not mutually exclusive.”
Massiah said, “She encourages residents to remain engaged as discussions continue and pledged to keep advocating for transparency, public input, and thoughtful planning.”
“My responsibility is to represent the people of District 3,” Massiah said. “I will continue asking questions, seeking answers, and making sure residents’ voices are heard before any final decisions are made.”
For more information, contact Commissioner Nicole Massiah’s office at 404-371- 2425 or send an email to district3@dekalbcountyga.gov.
