Developer of proposed data center threatens Prichard with litigation
Edged Energy, the developer of a proposed data center in Prichard, Alabama, has threatened the city with a lawsuit if it attempts to block a previously issued building permit. The city is now requiring the project to undergo Planning Commission review, a condition the developer claims was not initially stated. While the city recently enacted a moratorium on new data centers, officials acknowledge it does not apply to this project due to the timing of the permit application.
Edged Energy, the developer behind a data center project in Prichard, Alabama, has sent a formal letter threatening litigation against the city. This follows a dispute over a building permit that the city had previously issued for the data center on Telegraph Road. Doug Anderson, legal counsel for Edged Energy, stated that the city is now imposing new conditions, specifically requiring the project to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Anderson argues that Edged Energy followed all initial city instructions and was never informed of the need for Planning Commission review. He also highlighted the city's lack of accessible code online, which he claims made it impossible for his client to know such requirements. The developer also stated that minor revisions to the site plan, intended to move the building away from wetlands, were initially deemed not to require additional review by a city official.
Prichard City Council members met privately for over two hours to discuss the data center issue before voting to refer the matter to Council Attorney Moshae Donald Walker. While the council recently passed a moratorium on new data centers, Walker confirmed it does not apply to Edged Energy's project because the application was submitted before the moratorium was enacted. Mayor Carletta Davis expressed confidence in the project moving forward, attributing current issues to administrative matters. Meanwhile, local resident Scott Lacey voiced opposition, citing health concerns over potential environmental impacts and advocating for a broader data center moratorium.