Overview

• The Bessemer City Council voted with six of seven members present in favor of amending the zoning code to allow data centers on industrially zoned land.
• A public hearing and potential action on Project Marvel is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 9 a.m., advancing consideration of the roughly 700-acre proposal off Rock Mountain Lake Road.
• City leaders publicly reiterated support for the project in a Facebook post, citing anticipated economic impact and infrastructure benefits for Bessemer and Alabama.
• Nearby residents and environmental advocates continue to object, with unincorporated Jefferson County neighbors saying they lack influence in city decisions and raising transparency concerns over a reported NDA.
• Council President Donna Thigpen said she knows of no NDA and noted discussions occurred in executive session, as opponents point to estimates of 4.5 million square feet, up to 18 large buildings, and heavy power demand; the site is currently agricultural and would require rezoning to light industrial.