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Bessemer council approves rezoning for 1,600-acre “Project Marvel” data center after extended public hearing
Summary
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3698 to rezone more than 1,600 acres for a multi‑phased data‑center campus dubbed “Project Marvel.” Developers cited up to $15 billion in investment and projected franchise fees; residents raised environmental, water‑use, and transparency concerns prior to the 5–2 council vote.
Council President Jarvis Collier and a majority of the City Council voted April 21 to adopt Ordinance No. 3698, rezoning multiple parcels from A‑1 agricultural to I‑1 light industrial to allow development of a large-scale data‑center campus the applicants call “Project Marvel.” The final roll-call was Ayes: Councilors Carla F. Jackson, Sarah Person, Teco Stephens, Chester W. Porter, and Jarvis Collier; Nays: Cleophus King and Donna Thigpen.
Developers represented at the hearing said the proposal has expanded from an initial ~625‑acre campus to more than 1,600 acres after acquiring additional property to increase separation from residences and to accommodate construction of the Northern Beltline. Adam Rashid, applicant with Logistics Land Investments LLC, said the enlarged site would permit 250–300‑foot setbacks along the perimeter and allow the Beltline to be built without disruption. Rashid said Project Marvel is “projected to be the largest development in the State of Alabama, with an estimated value of $15 billion dollars,” and estimated the city could receive a franchise fee of about 4 percent, which the developers estimated would amount to roughly $22 million annually from Alabama Power; developers also said education taxes would not be abatable and projected school tax revenue at full buildout of nearly $80 million.
Residents dominated the hearing, pressing environmental and transparency concerns. Tina Mann asked that developer commitments — including energy and water‑use promises — be made legally binding and publicly disclosed. Emily McDaniel and others raised worries about the emergency suppression systems developers said would be used at large facilities and the potential for hazardous releases in a catastrophic event. Zion Sharpe cited generator emissions and a health‑cost study from another state as a reason for caution. Several commenters asked how potable water used for cooling would be replenished for community needs; Olivia Logan asked for specifics on water sourcing and replenishment. Michael Stanley and Jefferson County Economic Development Advisor Jefferson Traywick emphasized economic benefits and urged cooperation with ALDOT so the Northern Beltline could proceed while preserving a route for the highway.
City staff answered procedural and notice questions during reopened portions of the agenda. Attorney Aaron Killings and city staff said the rezoning had been reviewed by Planning & Zoning; developers told the council they had met with ALDOT to coordinate the Beltline interface. Council discussion acknowledged both the potential tax and economic benefits and citizens’ environmental and transparency concerns before the vote.
Ordinance No. 3698 will take effect upon adoption and publication as required by law. The council did not make developer commitments into specific, binding contract language at the meeting; several residents asked the council to require more binding disclosures and enforceable conditions going forward.
The council moved to the next agenda items following the vote.
