I am a concerned resident living just 3/4 of a mile away from the proposed site for a new cryptocurrency mining facility within the West Viking Road Industrial Park. As a member of this community, I have grave concerns about the potential impact of this development on our neighborhood and especially on the nearby elementary school.

Cryptocurrency mining facilities are renowned for their significant noise and air pollution, impacting not just local neighborhoods but regional health as well. The facilities operate massive computers that run constantly, generating continuous noise that is not just disruptive but detrimental to the peace and quiet of our community. The air pollution from these operations has been recorded to exacerbate respiratory issues and other health problems in areas where these facilities are allowed to thrive.

More pressing is the exorbitant amount of energy consumed by these cryptocurrencies operations. They strain local power supplies and, as a direct result, increase electricity costs for residents. If this facility is allowed within the planned light industrial district (M-1-P), being rezoned to a heavy industrial district (M-2), it will set a concerning precedence for future developments that may not align with the original planned purpose of this park.

Statistics reflect that the energy consumption of cryptocurrency networks outstrips that of some entire countries. Simply put, this usage is unsustainable and poses environmental risks that our community should not be forced to bear. On top of that, property values could potentially see a decline due to the not-in-my-backyard issues that these facilities generate.

The West Viking Road area is not suitable for heavy industrial activities, and the shift from a planned light industrial district to a heavy industrial district does not come without significant costs to local residents in terms of quality of life and economic burdens.

We urge local planning officials and decision-makers to reconsider this proposed rezoning and block the development of a cryptocurrency mining facility in our community.

Please sign this petition to protect our neighborhood, maintain our quality of life, and ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations. Your support is crucial in making our voices heard.