Residents near a proposed data center in Birmingham are suing the city and developers, citing concerns over noise and property values. The lawsuit, filed by Robert Sansome and John Hilley, claims that the city’s zoning ordinance was not followed and that the project was not properly permitted.
Background on the Project
The proposed data center, known as BHM01, is a 300-megawatt facility that would be located off Lakeshore Parkway. The project has been met with opposition from local residents, who have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their quality of life and property values.
The city council approved a revised ordinance adding new data center regulations to the zoning code, but the lawsuit claims that these regulations were not properly followed. The plaintiffs are seeking to pause the project and have it declared an unauthorized use.
Concerns Over Noise and Property Values
Residents have expressed concerns about the potential noise and disruption caused by the data center, as well as the impact on their property values. The lawsuit claims that the construction of the data center has already caused significant nuisance to neighboring property owners, including noise, vibration, and heavy truck traffic.
The plaintiffs are also seeking damages for the harm caused by the project, including the erosion of their property values. They claim that the city’s actions have effectively trapped them in their homes, making it difficult for them to sell their properties even if they wanted to leave.
Original reporting: BirminghamWatch — read the source article.