Lowndesboro gathering fosters open data center discussion

Residents of Lowndes County, Alabama, packed the historic CME Church in Lowndesboro to question a proposed data center development slated for Burkville. The gathering, organized by Lowndesboro resident Lori Dickson, aimed to address a lack of transparency following a contentious April 28 County Commission meeting. Concerns voiced by attendees, including District Judge Adrian Johnson and Rev. Tom Gardner, focused on the project's potential impact on the county's declining population, high electricity consumption, and its location in a majority-Black area, drawing comparisons to similar controversial projects elsewhere. Jeff Berry, a resident with 36 years of experience in data center operations, detailed the massive power requirements of such facilities, warning of inevitable higher power rates for the community, despite assurances from the developer. Berry clarified that Cloverleaf Infrastructure is a "broker developer" that secures land options and governmental approvals, but not the ultimate owner or operator, meaning their promises might not bind the final operating company. Lowndes County Commissioner Robert Harris acknowledged residents' concerns but emphasized the need to follow governmental processes and legal advice, explaining that commissioners cannot be polled during official meetings or disclose executive session information. Opponents are actively organizing, with social media influencer Gwen Johnson having previously convened an opposition meeting, and plans for potential litigation and involvement from the NAACP being discussed.