Fairfield residents react as company buys vacant Walmart property for planned data center

FAIRFIELD, Ala. (WBRC) - A company planning a data center in Fairfield has bought property in the city.

According to property records, Patmos bought the former Walmart property off Aaron Aronov Drive.

Past reporting shows Patmos is planning to build a co-location data center in Fairfield.

Neighbors said they don’t want to see the location sit vacant, but they are not sure a data center is the answer.

The mayor of Fairfield said the city looks forward to seeing the project take shape.

Wanda Shelby, who lives in Fairfield, said she has concerns about data centers.

“The knowledge that I’ve been hearing is that they cause noise, it’s gonna take a lot of water, it’s gonna take a lot of power. So not knowing this tech world, you have red flags come up,” Shelby said.

Shelby said she was disappointed when she heard the old Walmart property was officially sold to Patmos, which plans to bring a data center into her city.

“We are uncertain. I am uncertain of what’s gonna happen next,” Shelby said.

Mayor Herman Carnes said the city has wanted to bring new life to the vacant property. He said the deal is an important step toward realizing that vision.

Carnes said in a statement:

“I believe in Fairfield, its people, and the tremendous potential of our city. As Mayor, I remain committed to attracting new investment, encouraging economic growth, and pursuing opportunities that strengthen our community and create a brighter future for our residents.”

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