The Greater Birmingham Humane Society raises concerns over incoming data center
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) is raising concerns over the planned Nebius AI data center in Oxmoor Valley, as it could impact their previously planned animal medical campus nearby. GBHS claims donors have halted plans due to worries about noise and vibrations from the data center. They are pursuing legal action and opposing a draft ordinance that would eliminate public hearings for the data center.
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) has expressed significant concerns regarding the planned Nebius AI data center in Oxmoor Valley, an area where GBHS has been developing an animal medical campus for several years. CEO Allison Black Cornelius stated that millions of dollars have already been invested, and parts of the facility are constructed, with all necessary planning and zoning meetings completed.
According to Black Cornelius, the announcement of the Nebius AI data center in February led to a halt in donor contributions for the GBHS medical facility. Donors are seeking more information and are hesitant to commit funds, fearing that vibrations and noise from the data center could adversely affect the abused and traumatized animals intended for the medical campus.
GBHS is now actively seeking all available legal avenues to stop the data center's development. A key point of contention is a recently introduced draft ordinance, slated for discussion next Tuesday, which would reportedly eliminate public hearings for the Nebius AI data center. Black Cornelius emphasized the importance of public hearings for community oversight and transparency, noting that the draft ordinance would remove a crucial 'special exception' currently in place.
The Birmingham City Council is scheduled to discuss this draft ordinance and special exception at its meeting next Tuesday at 9:30 AM. GBHS is urging community members to attend the meeting to stay informed and voice their concerns.