Brookwood recommends rezoning 370 acres for data center project
The Brookwood Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended rezoning over 370 acres for a proposed data center campus. The decision, made despite neighbor frustrations, now moves to the City Council for a final vote. Mayor Joe Barger, who signed a non-disclosure agreement, declined to answer questions about the project.
The Brookwood Planning and Zoning Commission in Alabama recently voted to recommend a rezoning petition for more than 370 acres, designated for a potential data center campus. The decision was made following a packed meeting where residents expressed significant frustrations regarding the project and a lack of transparency from city leaders.
The proposed rezoning is separate from a permit recently approved by ADM, which could allow for another massive data center across from Brookwood Middle School. WBRC’s Josh Gauntt reported on the meeting and attempted to question Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger, who is also a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and has signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) related to the project. Mayor Barger refused to answer questions, instead slamming his truck door and driving away as Gauntt pressed for information on how the project would benefit the city and why rezoning was occurring without public answers.
Neighbors questioned the necessity of rezoning without full public disclosure of details and benefits. The commission's recommendation now advances to the Brookwood City Council for a final vote, which is expected in the coming weeks. Local news coverage indicates ongoing debate and public interest in the development.