Brookwood data center proposal continues to raise transparency concerns among residents
A proposed data center campus in Brookwood, Alabama, is facing scrutiny from residents and environmental advocates over transparency issues with city officials. An ADEM permit has been approved, but residents have concerns about potential impacts on Hurricane Creek and the power grid. An upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will discuss rezoning for "Project Brookwood," raising conflict of interest claims against Mayor Joe Barger.
Residents and environmental advocates are raising significant concerns regarding a proposed data center campus in Brookwood, Alabama. The project, referred to as "Project Brookwood," has drawn criticism over a lack of transparency from city officials, particularly Mayor Joe Barger.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has approved a permit that could facilitate the data center's construction across from Brookwood Middle School. John Wathen, the Hurricane Creekkeeper, voiced worries about the data center's potential impact on the local watershed, including Hurricane Creek, and the strain it could place on the power grid.
Mayor Barger has been unresponsive to inquiries from WBRC 6 News, citing "contractual agreements" that limit his ability to speak in detail, which residents interpret as a non-disclosure agreement. He stated that the City of Brookwood has no role in the ADEM permit process and that economic development projects are coordinated through the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority. However, Barger, a voting member of Brookwood’s Planning and Zoning Commission, is set to discuss a rezoning petition for "Project Brookwood" on August 11, leading residents like Carson Hunnicutt to allege a conflict of interest. Residents also reported difficulties in signing up to speak at the zoning meeting, believing it violates Alabama Code requiring public hearings, though city hall later clarified public comment would be allowed.