ROME– Atlas Development has ended its agreement for a proposed data center at Rome’s Battey Business Complex.

WRGA reported that development authority Chairman Jimmy Byars confirmed the decision. However, officials have not publicly disclosed why Atlas ended the agreement.

Coosa Valley News also reported that neither Atlas nor the development authority has provided an explanation.

Agreement Covered Remaining 100 Acres

The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority approved the preliminary agreement in August 2025.

The term sheet called for Atlas to purchase the complex’s remaining 100 acres for $5.7 million. The property sits along North Division Street at the former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital campus.

In addition, Atlas was expected to make a $150,000 payment and secure an agreement with Georgia Power. The proposed deed would have restricted the property to data center development.

The property already carried a heavy-industrial zoning designation. Therefore, the proposal did not require additional approval from the Rome-Floyd County Planning Department.

Meanwhile, the development authority has continued environmental work at the former hospital property. The authority received more than $7 million in federal grants for asbestos removal and demolition.

Residents Organized Against Proposal

The data center proposal drew opposition from residents, particularly those living in the nearby Summerville Park neighborhood.

City of Rome meeting records show residents repeatedly brought their concerns before city commissioners. Those concerns included transparency, utility demand, noise, environmental effects, and the property’s future use.

An online petition opposing the project had collected more than 2,200 verified signatures.

The petition asked local officials to stop the project and reconsider development plans for the property.

Future of Battey Property Remains Undecided

Coosa Valley News reported that Rome Mayor Jim Bojo believes officials can now reconsider the property’s best use. Possible options could include residential, commercial, or other industrial development.

However, local officials have not announced another buyer or a new development proposal for the property.

Meanwhile, Floyd County is separately considering regulations for future data centers in unincorporated areas. Those proposed regulations would address zoning, noise, water, electricity, environmental effects, and nearby residential property.

Public comment and a possible vote are scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 25. The meeting will take place at the Floyd County Administrative Building at 12 E. Fourth Ave. in Rome, according to WSB-TV.

The county ordinance is separate from the Battey agreement because that property lies inside Rome.