Athens Council Regulates Data Centers

0:00Athens City Council just passed a zoning amendment to lock down data center spots. They defined data centers as a special use, allowed only in heavy industrial zones, and even then, only with council approval, no go in other areas. With data centers popping up all over Alabama, the council stepped up to fix outdated rules that never mentioned them. City planner Aaron Tidwell broke it down, saying these spots look like regular warehouses from outside, but run way different inside. A pack crowd showed up Monday evening, fired up over community worries. Mayor Ronnie Mark shut down rumors fast. No data center plans in the works, no secret deals, just proactive moves to protect folks from big impacts. Tidwell highlighted the real differences, massive power and water pools, constant noise, heavy security needs, and super low job numbers, like just 10. People on 250 acres of land. This clear rule sets a boundary as tech boom statewide, keeping Athens in control of its growth.

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