Prichard town hall heats up over proposed data center
A packed town hall meeting in Prichard, Alabama, became heated as residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed data center by Edge Energy. Neighbors voiced serious concerns regarding the facility's power source, environmental impact, heat production, and artificial intelligence aspects. Mayor Karla Davis acknowledged the community's clear message against the project.
A recent town hall meeting in Prichard, Alabama, saw hundreds of residents gather to debate a proposed data center project, resulting in tense moments and loud questions.
Edge Energy, the company behind the proposal, presented their plan, describing the project as an "old tree fission, waterless, and sustainable data center." Spokesman Garland Christopher stated that if approved, the center would occupy a vacant 9-1-1 data center on Telegraph Road, spanning approximately nine acres. Edge Energy claims the project could bring millions of dollars in investment and create about 20 jobs.
However, residents quickly cut in with raised hands and questions, expressing serious concerns. Their objections focused on the facility's power source, potential environmental impact, the heat it could produce, and its connection to artificial intelligence. Prichard Mayor Karla Davis acknowledged the strong public sentiment, stating that the community's message was clear: they do not want the data center.