Neighbors raise environmental, transparency concerns over potential data center development in Brookwood
Residents of Brookwood, Alabama, are raising environmental and transparency concerns regarding a potential data center development after the Alabama Department of Environmental Management approved a permit. The project is set to go before the city's planning and zoning commission next week, where citizens plan to voice their objections. Mayor Joe Barger clarified the city's limited role, noting that the permit was state-level and economic development is handled by the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority.
Brookwood, Alabama residents are voicing significant concerns about a proposed data center development following the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's (ADEM) approval of a permit. The project is anticipated to appear before the city's planning and zoning commission next week, prompting residents to register to speak at the public meeting.
Jeffrey Snider, a local farm owner, highlighted environmental worries, citing the federally protected Hurricane Creek, which is home to endangered marine species. He expressed concerns about potential runoff, as well as noise and light pollution affecting his property and the creek. Carson Hunnicutt criticized the perceived lack of transparency from city officials, alleging that the community has been excluded from discussions about a development that could profoundly impact their working-class town.
Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger addressed the situation in a statement, emphasizing his commitment to the community's well-being and Hurricane Creek. He clarified that the permit attracting public attention was a state-level application, not one requiring city review, and that private real estate transactions are not managed by the city. Barger further explained that economic development projects for Tuscaloosa County are coordinated by the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority. WBRC is awaiting the mayor's response regarding whether he signed a non-disclosure agreement related to the project.