A Fairfield city councilor urged residents to keep an open mind as the city considers a proposed data center.
District 5 Councilor Courtney Turner released a five page open letter Tuesday addressing a potential colocation data center that could be built in Fairfield. The letter offers few details about the project but encourages residents to evaluate the proposal based on facts rather than misconceptions.
A colocation data center is a facility where multiple companies rent space for their computer servers while the owner provides power, cooling, security and other infrastructure. They are generally smaller than hyperscale data centers, which are typically built and operated by a single technology company.
Plans for hyperscale data centers have drawn public opposition in nearby Birmingham and Bessemer over concerns about noise, water usage, environmental impacts and property values.
In his letter, Turner described the project as a potential economic development opportunity for Fairfield. He wrote that the City Council should carefully weigh both the benefits and concerns before making a decision.
"We will continue working to ensure every decision is made responsibly and transparently. Our commitment is not simply to economic development. Our commitment is to responsible economic development; development that protects our residents, strengthens our economy, respects our environment, and positions Fairfield for long-term success," Turner wrote.
He also pushed back on what he called misinformation surrounding data centers, writing that properly designed facilities are heavily regulated, do not cause cancer and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis rather than judged by controversies around projects elsewhere.
WBHM reached out to Fairfield city officials for additional information about the proposed development but did not immediately receive a response.
A public town hall on the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. at the Fairfield Civic Center. According to Turner, residents will have an opportunity to hear about the project, ask questions and participate in open discussion.