Brookwood mayor confirms proposed project is “AI data center” during community meeting on economic development
Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger confirmed a proposed development in the city is an AI data center, though no project has been signed yet. Residents raised significant environmental, power, and water concerns, expressing strong opposition to the project. The rezoning for the land, under "Project Brookwood LLC," is set for a city council vote on September 15.
Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger publicly confirmed for the first time that a proposed development in the city is an AI data center during a city council meeting at the G.G. Hardin Center. Mayor Barger emphasized the need for responsible economic growth, citing potential significant revenue for Brookwood that could lead to improved community services and facilities. He also mentioned researching data centers and consulting with other mayors who have experience with such facilities.
Despite the mayor's assurances, dozens of local residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed data center, expressing concerns about environmental impact, power consumption, and water usage. Property owner Jeff Snider highlighted potential issues with his cattle and springs, while another neighbor worried about the impact of the construction period on Brookwood Middle School. Former Mayor Larry Holloway advised the city council to thoroughly research the project before making any decisions.
City Councilor Allen Abston stated that the council would "do the right thing" once all information is gathered. The city distributed an information sheet titled "Fact vs. Fiction: Community Information Sheet" promoting data centers as beneficial for quality of life, tax revenue, and job creation, though it only cited the Wall Street Journal for the jobs claim. Mayor Barger also discussed signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as part of the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, calling it common practice.
The rezoning application for the land, associated with "Project Brookwood LLC," is scheduled for a potential city council vote on September 15. Mayor Barger declined to answer questions outside the meeting regarding whether the project is a done deal.