BROOKWOOD, Ala. (WBRC) – Residents of Brookwood are responding after the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) approved a permit that could lead to a data center in the community. The project could go before the city’s planning and zoning commission next week.
Environmental concerns
Jeffrey Snider, who owns a small farm in Brookwood, said he is concerned about the potential impact a data center could have on his land, his animals, and Hurricane Creek, which runs behind his property.
“I know it’s a federally protected creek that’s got at least three endangered species of marine life in it right now. I’m concerned about runoff and just the environmental aspect of it. The sound and the light pollution, all that stuff,” Snider said.
Residents of Brookwood are responding after the Alabama Department of Environmental Management approved a permit that could lead to a data center in the community. The project could go before the city’s planning and zoning commission next week.(WBRC)Transparency questions
Carson Hunnicutt said his primary concern is transparency from city leaders, adding that he feels neighbors have been left out of discussions about a development that could significantly affect the small, working-class community.
“If it’s for the people which you know the council and the mayor represent, why are we completely shut out? More of a problem with just big government in general which I feel like we should not be replicating here in Brookwood,” Hunnicutt said.
A few residents told WBRC they had to call city hall to be placed on the agenda to speak at next week’s planning and zoning commission meeting and questioned why that process was required for a public meeting.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management approved a permit for a massive hyperscale data center in Brookwood(Alabama Department of Environmental Management permit)Mayor responds
Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger issued the following statement after multiple requests for comment:
“I understand the public interest surrounding recent reports about a potential development in our area. As a resident of this community myself, I care deeply about Hurricane Creek and the long-term well-being of Brookwood. My commitment is to always do what is in the best interest of our residents and our community.
It’s important to clarify the City’s role in this process. The permit application that has received attention was submitted to the State of Alabama and is administered through the state’s permitting process. It is not an application that comes before the City of Brookwood for review or approval. Likewise, private real estate transactions are not conducted or managed by the City.
With respect to any potential economic development opportunities, projects are coordinated through the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, which serves as the lead organization for recruiting and evaluating economic development opportunities throughout Tuscaloosa County.”
WBRC also asked Barger whether he signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) related to a data center project. We’re still waiting to hear back.
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