BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) – Bessemer city leaders could take some action on the controversial proposed massive data center this week.
Sunday, neighbors gathered to learn about its potential impacts ahead of the council meeting Tuesday.
The proposed data center, known as Project Marvel, would sit on around 700 acres of land off Rock Mountain Lake Road. Last month, the Bessemer Planning and Zoning Committee voted in favor of rezoning the land from agricultural to industrial. City council will have the final say.
“All of you know how big a Walmart Supercenter is, OK? One and a half times that, four stories tall, and 18 of them,” someone explained from the audience from the Rock Mountain Lake community.
The center could create more than 300 high-paying jobs and would likely be filled with computer systems, including artificial intelligence, similar to other data centers around the country.
“First concern is the impact to my utility bills, water usage,” said Alfred DeVore, a Bessemer resident.
Many residents believe it would disrupt their way of life.
“I spend all my time outside so breathing in whatever is gonna be emitted from the facility is going to be a great concern for me,” said DeVore.
People in the community gathered Sunday to watch a short film about Project Marvel to learn how it could impact them.
“Watching the video, listening to the questions gave a much better grasp of the project scope, size, and impact that it’s gonna have,” said DeVore.
Residents expressed concerns about the environment, noise and light pollution, and property values.
“We ain’t trying to pay no extra money to do anything. Why did they choose this spot out of all places? Why did they choose Bessemer, Alabama?” said Dante Franklin, a Birmingham resident who grew up in Bessemer where family still lives. “I understand that they have to put it somewhere, but why put it here next to our homes.”
This Tuesday, Oct. 7, city council could take up the rezoning request from the developer. WBRC News will keep you updated with the latest on Project Marvel.
Read more on https://www.wbrc.com
