Athens moves forward with zoning rule revision to address possibility of data centers in the city

After weeks of public speculation and numerous phone calls to the city, the Athens City Council in Alabama has unanimously approved an amendment to its zoning ordinance concerning data centers within city limits. The new ordinance stipulates that any data center seeking to establish itself in Athens must build within the city's industrial park, which encompasses approximately 40 acres. The city's proactive measure aims to align Athens with other regional cities in addressing potential data center development. Under the amendment, a future data center in the industrial zone would require a conditional use agreement, necessitating special permits and a public input process before establishment. City leaders indicated that Athens lacks the expansive land typically required for massive data centers, and this ordinance change will restrict any such construction to a confined area. This gives residents a voice before any ground is broken for a data center. Reporting for Fox 54 News, Caleb Aguyo stated that the vote was expected to draw residents from across the city to provide input on the ordinance change.