The Bessemer City Council voted 6–0 on Monday evening to approve a rezoning ordinance that would enable a large data center development, Project Marvel, along Rock Mountain Lake Road and other future data center developments.
The measure amends Bessemer’s zoning code to classify “data center” as a permitted use in the I-1 light industrial zoning and reclassifies several parcels from A-1 Agricultural to I-1. City officials said the update modernizes Bessemer’s zoning framework to attract high-tech investment and keep the city competitive for future industrial growth.
Supporters of the ordinance argue that building the proposed $14.9 billion data center will generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue, create more than 300 new technology jobs and spur growth across Bessemer.
The council posted to Facebook, stating its unified stance and confidence in the project’s benefits.
“The Bessemer City Council has reaffirmed its full support for the proposed data center project, recognizing its tremendous potential to benefit the City of Bessemer, its citizens, and the State of Alabama as a whole,” the post read. “This project is one of the most important economic opportunities to come before our city in years. We are fully committed to moving it forward in a way that ensures transparency, public input, and careful consideration of all aspects of development.”
Mayor Kenneth Gulley added that the project “represents a tremendous investment in Bessemer and in Alabama.” He said the city’s previous decision to send the rezoning request back to the Planning and Zoning Commission allowed officials to “make sure that every detail is addressed properly, so the project can proceed on the strongest possible foundation.”
The decision followed months of organized opposition from residents in the McCalla and Rock Mountain Lake areas. Many argued that the development would alter the character of nearby neighborhoods and strain local resources. Concerns centered on the project’s potential environmental impact, including the lack of water usage estimates from nearby water authorities, runoff into surrounding rivers and noise.
Several residents also criticized what they called insufficient public notice and limited transparency during earlier stages of review. City leaders have signed non-disclosure agreements that encompass business plans and non-public information. Advocacy groups, like Alabama River Alliance, have called for more comprehensive environmental and infrastructure studies before approval.
The council delayed a vote in August to address those concerns. The proposal was then sent back to the Planning and Zoning Committee in September.
With the rezoning now approved, developments can proceed, and the council’s 6–0 vote signals strong institutional support for the project.
The city council has set a hearing for more public comment on Project Marvel for Nov. 18.
