Earlier this month, GASP staff met with the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits for a stakeholder conversation about proposed land use policies related to data centers. This meeting came on the heels of two City Council “data center input sessions” held on Tuesday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m., both of which GASP attended.
While these sessions were presented as opportunities for public input, their timing raised immediate concerns. Midday meetings during the workweek are often inaccessible to many community members, especially those most impacted by environmental and infrastructure decisions. Even more concerning, these sessions were not widely publicized, limiting meaningful public participation.
During these discussions, the Department shared a tentative land use policy adoption timeline:
- March 18, 5pm – Planning Commission Public Hearing
- March 24, 3pm – 4:30pm – Planning & Zoning Committee
- March 31, 9:30 AM – City Council Sets Public Hearing
- April 28, 9:30 AM – City Council Public Hearing & Final Consideration
All meetings are expected to take place at Birmingham City Hall in the Council Chambers, requiring in-person attendance during weekday hours that may not be feasible for many residents.
This timeline was first introduced on March 3, the same day that a 180-day moratorium was passed. Many in the community understood that the moratorium would mean that there would be time to gather input, educate neighbors, and fully consider the long-term impacts of data center development in Birmingham. Instead, the process appears to be moving forward at an accelerated pace. We want to ensure that everyone gets their chance to speak about how data center development could impact their community.
At past Birmingham City Council meetings, residents voiced concerns that this rapid timeline feels all too familiar. Several individuals drew comparisons to how quickly Project Marvel was approved, raising fears that major decisions with long-term community impacts are once again being rushed forward without adequate time for public input or transparency.
Because this timeline was introduced by The Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits it is imperative that the public understands just how they play a central role in shaping how the city grows and develops. This department is responsible for:
- Land use planning and zoning recommendations
- Reviewing and permitting new developments
- Advising city leadership on infrastructure and growth decisions
- Helping guide long-term planning efforts across Birmingham
In short, they are one of the key bodies influencing what gets built, where it is built, and how those decisions move through the approval process.
When GASP raised concerns about the speed of this timeline, representatives from the Department indicated they intend to keep it in place because it has already been approved by their superiors. This decision has also not been publicized nor addressed with the community. This is why it is imperative that we share this information quickly and widely.
The issue most people have with this type of rushed development is that data centers are not just infrastructure projects. They carry real implications for Birmingham residents, including:
- Increased pressure on our water systems
- Rising utility costs
- Potential impacts on air quality
These are not small concerns, especially for communities that are already overburdened by environmental and economic inequities. The rushed timeline also shows how public input is often avoided to minimize criticism, pushback, and avoid accountability.
GASP has been vocal about how public input is necessary for fair and equitable development. That starts with transparency and making engagement as accessible as possible for all stakeholders.
After the stakeholder meeting, GASP staff discussed how we need to respond. The biggest takeaway is that it appears the timeline won’t slow down so we must move quickly to support our community. We are encouraging residents to contact decision-makers directly, even if they cannot attend public hearings.
Community members can share their concerns with members of The Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits:
- Hunter Garrison: [email protected]
- Kimberly Speorl: [email protected]
We are encouraging those who can make it to these public meetings to attend and voice their concerns. We are also asking for individuals to support us and other invested organizations like Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Southern Environmental Law Center with outreach efforts by sharing this post, following our social media, signing up for canvassing training, and informing your neighbors.
Birmingham deserves a process that is transparent, inclusive, and truly reflective of the people who live here. Right now, that means making your voice heard before decisions are finalized.
