'Not in my neighborhood': Residents protest data center project in Birmingham

Residents and community advocates in Birmingham, Alabama, staged a protest outside City Hall against proposed large-scale data center developments, specifically targeting the Nebius AI factory planned for Lakeshore Parkway. Protesters like John Hilley and Liz Lane voiced concerns about the environmental impact, strain on infrastructure, and the project's proximity to homes, schools, and natural resources, arguing that the development process lacked transparency and regulatory oversight. Conversely, some residents like David Craig supported the project, highlighting potential job creation and economic benefits for the community. The demonstration preceded a Birmingham City Council meeting where new zoning regulations for future large-scale data centers were set to be considered. Community organizers urged support for these stricter guidelines but also advocated for their application to the Nebius project, which is currently exempt. In March, the City of Birmingham had enacted a six-month moratorium on new data center applications; however, the Nebius development was not subject to this pause as its permitting process had already begun. Mayor Randall Woodfin addressed the controversy, explaining that while city leaders desired a full moratorium, state law prevented them from retroactively blocking projects already in the development pipeline, citing past unsuccessful lawsuits and potential punitive damages. Woodfin acknowledged residents' valid concerns regarding noise, water, and energy use, pledging to hold Nebius accountable to its commitments for tax revenue, environmental considerations, and community partnership. The Birmingham Business Alliance publicly supported responsible data center expansion, emphasizing economic opportunities, job creation, and the importance of developers funding utility infrastructure improvements.