Residents urge binding community benefits, transparency for Beacon project

At least five residents spoke during the public‑comment period about the proposed Beacon data center, pressing the commission for transparency and community protections. Lucille Kimball Foster asked whether any county staff, utilities or project representatives had signed nondisclosure agreements and requested that any commitments (on rates, fire/ambulance service or other public costs) be binding and available before the public loses leverage. "Will Alabama Power commit that existing residential and small business customers will not pay higher rates?" Foster asked.