Prichard data center gets site plan approval as developer addresses community concerns
A proposed Edged data center in Prichard, Alabama, has received site plan approval after weeks of debate and community concerns. The project was deemed exempt from a recently enacted city-wide moratorium due to an earlier issued building permit. The developer addressed issues raised by residents concerning noise, water use, and the facility's size.
The proposed Edged data center in Prichard, Alabama, has received site plan approval from the planning commission, clearing a significant hurdle after weeks of community debate. This approval marks the latest step for the $93 million project located on Telegraph Road.
Real estate attorney Doug Anderson, representing the developers, confirmed that the building permit for the project was issued on July 30th, just days before the Prichard City Council approved a six-month moratorium on data centers on August 4th. This timing allowed the Edged project to be exempt from the moratorium.
Initially, questions arose because the building permit was issued before the project underwent site plan review by the planning commission. Anderson stated that developers voluntarily returned to complete the planning commission process.
The approval follows several public hearings where residents voiced concerns about the development's size, potential noise, water consumption, and environmental impact. Anderson addressed these, clarifying that the facility is relatively small at eight acres, equivalent to one football field, unlike much larger facilities elsewhere. He also noted plans for a stormwater retention pond and positioned outdoor generators behind a 16-foot wall. Furthermore, Anderson asserted that the facility would not create significant noise, would use its own water supply rather than Prichard's system, and would produce no pollution or emissions, as it is not a manufacturing facility. Construction is expected to begin soon and last 18 months.