From land purchase to power: How data center projects move forward in central Alabama

Cities across central Alabama, including Chelsea, Homewood, and Brookwood, are confronting a new wave of data center developments, prompting local leaders and residents to weigh economic benefits against concerns about power, water, noise, traffic, and long-term growth.

In response to these developments, Chelsea's city leaders approved a one-year moratorium on new data center applications, allowing staff time to develop appropriate zoning standards, as highlighted by Chelsea City Council President Scott Weygand. Similarly, Homewood has temporarily paused new applications to study potential impacts. Meanwhile, residents in Brookwood continue to raise questions regarding a possible data center project near Brookwood Middle School.

The article details the typical multi-stage process for data center development, which often begins with developers acquiring large land tracts with essential infrastructure like road access and fiber-optic connections. Industry experts, such as Adam Kramer, Global Head of Data Centers at Panattoni Development Company, emphasize that access to significant power resources, often in collaboration with utilities like Alabama Power, is a primary deciding factor before land purchase. Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger clarified that while the city cannot control private land sales, it asserts its authority during the permitting, rezoning, and annexation phases.

Following site identification, developers typically conduct various studies, including environmental, soil, drainage, traffic, and infrastructure assessments. The subsequent public approval process, which can involve rezoning, annexation, and site-plan approvals, is a critical juncture where residents can voice concerns about water usage, noise, traffic, and power demands before construction, which can span years, particularly if new power infrastructure is required.