McCalla residents raise environmental concerns over data center rezoning

The Bessemer City Council has approved the rezoning for a major hyperscale data center project, identified as "Project Marvel," in the Rock Mountain Lake area of Jefferson County, Alabama. The project involves over 18 buildings and includes the addition of 900 acres of buffer property to mitigate the impact on nearby residents. Despite the council's approval, residents of McCalla have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about potential pollution and increases in utility bills for power and water. Amy Mims, a McCalla resident, expressed anxiety about the environmental impact, stating that she feels elected officials are not listening to the community's needs. Another resident, David Havron, noted that the community is relying on reports from data centers in other parts of the country to understand potential issues. During a public hearing following the council's vote, opposition from attendees was evident, even as council members, such as Chester W. Porter of District 2, encouraged optimism and pointed to successful data centers elsewhere in Alabama. Residents, however, emphasized that "Project Marvel" is a hyperscale facility, differentiating it from smaller existing data centers. Mims reiterated the community's desire for different representation to address what they view as an environmental problem.