I'm writing this petition with a heavy heart, deeply concerned about the future of our community. Recently, learned that our local EDA has been quietly planning to attract a buyer to build a data center close to where I live, and this has raised several alarm bells for me and my neighbors. We cherish our community for its serenity, the sense of togetherness among residents, and its lush natural environment. However, a looming data center would pose many risks that threaten these very attributes we hold dear, and harm the enviornment.  Not to mention the water and electric consumption that noone is considering or ignoring.

Data centers, while crucial for technological advancement, can have substantial impacts on local communities. They are often accompanied by significant noise pollution from cooling systems, heavy trucks, and equipment, which can disrupt the peace and quiet we enjoy. Additionally, data centers require substantial energy and water resources, which can strain local utilities and lead to increased costs for everyone in the vicinity.  In many cases, they're known to dry up wells because of their impact on the water table since local water authority cannot allocate as much as 8 million gallons per day.  Especially in a drought like we're experiencing.  Even if you're not on a well, you'll likely be put on water restrictions during these times.

Moreover, these facilities will reduce property values. Prospective buyers might be dissuaded by the presence of towering infrastructure and the associated industrial activity. This change can alter the fabric of residential neighborhoods, leading to unforeseen socio-economic challenges.  Remember, the county just hired an outside firm to over-assess our properties.

The heart of the problem lies in the current zoning regulation that allows data centers to be built 'by right,' which effectively means that such projects can proceed without meaningful public input or scrutiny. This by-right categorization bypasses crucial checks and balances that ensure community interests are protected and accounted for.  However, the governing officials are attributing to the problem by "appointing" the EDA and releasing ALL oversight of their actions.  They are paid with our tax dollars and quietly sign NDA's to cover up their plans.

We aren't opposed to technological progress; rather, we advocate for a balanced approach that respects community welfare. By changing the zoning from 'by right' to 'special use,' we can introduce a process that requires comprehensive impact assessments and community consultations before any approval. This shift would empower local residents to have a voice in the decision-making process, ensuring that developments align with the broader interests of the entire community.

Our community is worth preserving and protecting, and a special use zoning category would allow us to manage growth responsibly. I urge you to support this cause by signing this petition, so we can present it to our local government and seek a change in the zoning laws that will protect our homes, our peace, and our environment for future generations.