Alabama community split as city council approves controversial 700-acre data center on agricultural land

The Bessemer City Council has approved a contentious rezoning decision that will transform nearly 700 acres of agricultural and forested land into a massive “hyperscale” data center, sparking significant community division in the Alabama city of 25,000 residents located southwest of Birmingham.

The council voted 5-2 on Tuesday to approve the rezoning for the 4.5 million square foot server farm facility, despite strong opposition from some council members and community concerns about transparency. Council member Cleo King, who voted against the proposal, cited his responsibility to represent his constituents as the driving force behind his decision, stating that he prays about every vote he casts on their behalf.

The controversy extends beyond the environmental impact of converting hundreds of acres of undeveloped land. Dissenting council members have raised serious questions about the decision-making process, with one critic arguing that city officials who signed non-disclosure agreements during negotiations have failed to maintain proper transparency with citizens. This lack of openness has intensified community tensions over a project that will significantly alter the city’s landscape and potentially impact local ecosystems.

The approval highlights the growing tension many communities face between economic development opportunities and environmental preservation. As demand for data centers continues to surge, driven by cloud computing and digital services, cities across the country are grappling with similar decisions about sacrificing green spaces for technology infrastructure that promises jobs but raises concerns about environmental costs and community input in the planning process.