Calera: No plans for data centers after confusing A.I. social media post
Calera city officials clarified there are no plans for data center developments in the city, responding to public concerns sparked by a misleading AI-generated social media post. The Calera Zoning Administrator confirmed data centers are not currently allowed under existing zoning without citizen involvement.
Calera, Alabama, city officials responded to public alarm over potential data center construction following a misleading AI-generated social media post. Residents in Shelby County, particularly in the Collier area, expressed concerns about data centers coming to town. Calera Zoning Administrator Kevin Shirey confirmed that there are currently no plans for data centers in Calera and that such facilities are not explicitly allowed under existing city zoning regulations.
Shirey emphasized that any future consideration of data centers would require significant citizen involvement and a change to the city's "unclassified use" table. This clarification was issued to combat "misinformation" spreading on platforms like Facebook, preventing people from thinking the city was secretly pursuing data center projects. The broader context of data center discussions in Shelby County, including a project by Digi Power X in nearby Columbiana, contributed to the local community's heightened awareness and concerns.