BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — The Bessemer City Council has approved rezoning that would expand a controversial data center project.
In a meeting that drew more than an hour of public comment Tuesday, the council voted 5-2 to rezone 900 acres of land from agricultural to light industrial use. The move clears the way to expand what’s known as Project Marvel to roughly 1,600 acres.
This includes addresses 6380 Old Lawsontown Rd., 6030 Old Lawsontown Rd., 6042 Old Lawsontown Rd., 5515 Freeman Ave. and 5400 Polara Ln. City leaders said the decision is a step toward economic growth. Opponents argued it raises serious environmental and transparency concerns and say their fight is far from over…