QTS provides permits to I-Team after Bessemer mayor seeks halt to data center construction
QTS provided permits that it says authorize ongoing construction at its planned Project Marvel data center in Bessemer after Mayor Louise Alexander asked the company to halt work. Nearby homeowners continue to raise concerns about noise, blasting, stormwater and the development's effects on their properties, while Jefferson County officials consider protections for nearby unincorporated areas.
QTS gave ABC 33/40 copies of a construction stormwater permit and a mass-grading building permit issued by the City of Bessemer. The company says the documents authorize work at its planned data center campus after newly elected Mayor Louise Alexander sent a letter requesting that construction stop so the city could verify approvals and meet with the developer.
QTS Chief External Affairs Officer Theo Yedinsky said the project is proceeding under permits previously approved by Bessemer. The dispute has continued alongside opposition from nearby Rock Mountain Lake-area homeowners in unincorporated Jefferson County, who cite potential noise, blasting, stormwater and quality-of-life impacts. County Commission President Jimmie Stephens said the county lacks authority over the project inside Bessemer but is considering protections such as a proposed 1,000-foot vegetative buffer for neighboring communities.