Westover data center representatives speak to council following legal concerns
The Westover City Council convened to hear from representatives of a proposed data center, as well as concerned residents, regarding legal challenges to the project's zoning. A lawyer claimed the initial zoning approval was unlawfully executed, while the developer's counsel argued the existing zoning already permitted data centers. Residents also voiced environmental and quality-of-life concerns.
The Westover City Council recently addressed mounting legal and environmental concerns surrounding a proposed data center project in the city. Attorney Leon Ashford, who owns property near the development site, asserted that the initial zoning change for the data center was not lawfully executed. Ashford cited public records indicating that while the Westover Planning Commission recommended rezoning to EC-I in December 2024 and the City Council approved it in February 2025, data centers were not explicitly listed in the EC-I zoning at that time. He argued that a subsequent attempt to amend the ordinance lacked proper public notice.
Representing Swift Willow Property, the developer, litigation partner Trey Oliver from Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP countered Ashford's claims. Oliver contended that EC-I zoning already encompassed data centers based on a combination of existing sections (60.01, 60.02, and 78.01) before the term was explicitly added. Greg DeBacker, general counsel for Swift Willow Property, emphasized the company's transparency throughout the process, noting that public meetings for rezoning were held between May 2024 and February 2025. Mayor Bobby Pardue expressed a need to review the timeline, stating he did not recall events as Oliver presented them.
Residents also vocalized their opposition and concerns. Lindsay Graves highlighted potential environmental risks, specifically regarding the disposal of coolant fluids like glycol from the proposed closed-loop system, and questioned the effectiveness of enforcement by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Cory Cummings reiterated his general opposition to the data center, citing desires to maintain a rural lifestyle free from noise, light, and other disruptions. The Westover Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss EC-I zoning further at an upcoming meeting.