Lowndes County Residents Oppose Burkville Data Center, Seek Transparency From Officials
Lowndes County residents are actively opposing a proposed data center in Burkville, expressing fears about its impact on the community. They feel their concerns are not being heard by the Lowndes County Commission and are demanding transparency on the project's status. The Commission recently took steps to limit public speaking time at meetings, further frustrating residents.
Residents of Lowndes County, Alabama, are vocally opposing a proposed data center project by Cloverleaf Infrastructure in Burkville. The project, first reported by The Lowndes Signal in April, has sparked widespread community concern about its potential impact on the area.
Citizens have repeatedly presented their objections to the Lowndes County Commission, held grassroots meetings, and protested at a developer's open house, united by the message, "no data centers." Despite these efforts, residents, like Pam McCurdy, feel their voices have not been heard and that the project continues to move forward without clear communication from their elected officials.
The Lowndes Signal has highlighted the community's frustration, likening it to the "Can you hear me now?" commercials, as residents await confirmation that their message has been received and valued by the Commission. They are urging Commissioners and the Lowndes County Economic Development Board to provide full transparency on the project's future, citing the direct and long-lasting effects on over 250 nearby residents.
In recent bi-monthly meetings, the Commission failed to pass a resolution denying data center tax abatements for requests not coming from an owner-operator. Furthermore, Commissioners announced and then voted on enforcing a policy limiting speakers to two minutes each on any given topic, although a subsequent vote indicated they would allow all speakers. Residents are seeking assurance that their concerns are being acknowledged by the officials they elected.