In rural Coweta County, 45 miles southwest of Atlanta, 62-year-old farmer Connie Lytten gazes at the fields near her home, her heart heavy with worry that a $17 billion data center campus, Project Sail, now acquired by developer Prologis, will alter her quiet life forever. For others, like local construction worker Jamal Carter, the project’s promise of jobs sparks hope for a better future for his young daughter. Announced May 22, Prologis’ purchase of the 832-acre site from Atlas Development LLC is reshaping dreams and fears for families, workers, and businesses in this close-knit community.

The Project Sail campus, proposed for land near Welcome Sargent and Wagers Mill roads, includes 13 data halls, each 378,000 square feet, totaling 4.9 million square feet—more than twice the size of the Mall of Georgia. Prologis, a global real estate giant, acquired the site to develop a high-tech facility powered by 936 megawatts, leveraging its proximity to Georgia Power’s Plant Yates. The project, estimated to generate $163 million in annual tax revenue, awaits rezoning approval, paused by a 180-day moratorium as Coweta County drafts a zoning ordinance. Construction, if approved, could begin by late 2025, with completion projected for 2036.

For Connie, who has tended her family’s land for decades, the project threatens her way of life. “The noise, the lights—it’ll change everything,” she said, her voice cracking as she looked at her fields. “This land is our history.” Meanwhile, Jamal, who struggles to make ends meet, sees opportunity. “Construction jobs could mean I can afford school supplies for my girl,” he said, his eyes bright with possibility. Local diner owner Maria Alvarez, near Newnan, hopes for more customers. “Tech workers eat, too,” she said, wiping down counters with quiet optimism.

Coweta County, part of metro Atlanta’s booming data center market, has seen a 76% surge in construction since 2024, driven by demand for cloud computing and AI. The region, home to 25% of Georgia’s tech jobs, contributes $43 billion to the state’s economy. Projects like Project Peach and others in nearby counties highlight Atlanta’s rise as a data center hub, fueled by cheap land, power, and tax incentives, though a vetoed bill aimed to curb these breaks.

“This project is about opportunity for our people,” said Prologis executive Jonathon Ward. “We’re committed to Coweta’s future.” Sarah Jacobs, Coweta County Development Authority director, added, “It could transform lives with jobs and revenue, but we’re listening to residents like Connie.”

Reactions are mixed. Aisha Thompson, a teacher in Newnan, welcomes the tax revenue for schools. “Better funding could mean new books for my students,” she said. But residents like Todd Williams, who spoke at a community meeting, fear environmental harm. “The wetlands, the water—it’s our home,” he said, his voice firm. Analyst David Lin noted the economic boost but cautioned about infrastructure strain. “Power and water demands could stress the grid,” he said.

The project’s impact runs deep. For Jamal, temporary construction jobs could lead to stability. For Maria, increased foot traffic might save her diner, a lifeline for her three kids. The tax revenue could ease Coweta’s residential tax burden, but concerns about water usage—potentially 10 million gallons daily—and noise pollution linger. Community groups like Stop Project Sail, with 1,750 signatures, push for transparency, fearing groundwater contamination and disrupted wetlands.

Looking ahead, Prologis faces a rezoning battle, with public hearings pending post-moratorium. Power and water infrastructure upgrades, coordinated with Georgia Power, remain critical, as does addressing environmental concerns raised by residents like Connie. For Aisha, hoping for better schools, and Jamal, dreaming of a brighter future, Project Sail embodies Coweta’s crossroads—balancing growth with the preservation of its rural heart. As Maria serves coffee to locals, the project’s fate will shape their lives, weaving their stories into Atlanta’s tech-driven future.

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