As proud residents of our community, we are deeply concerned about the proposed development of a data center in our neighborhood. This concern is an issue that affects all of us living in this residential area. It is distressing to imagine how the introduction of a data center could irrevocably change our environment, health, and property values.

The proposed site for the data center is alarmingly close to our brand new Cromwell Middle School and Woodside Intermediate School, which raises significant safety concerns for the children in our community. It is becoming increasingly clear from other communities that data centers  pose threats to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding residents from the substantial noise pollution, light pollution, massive energy consumption, water depletion, and emission of fossil fuel and air pollution. These would all pose risks to the children attending our schools, as well as the residents in the area.

The environmental footprint of data centers is substantial. Data centers require vast amounts of water for cooling processes, contributing to local water shortages and affecting our ecosystem. The increased energy demands can also lead to higher emissions of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change and decreasing air quality. Although the developer is claiming he will build a closed loop system, this is his first ever data center development, and therefore these promises cannot be guaranteed.

Instead of prioritizing industrial development in residential zones, we should urge our Planning and Zoning Commission to consider alternative locations for data center development that do not disrupt our community's residential life. We should advocate for stricter zoning regulations that protect residential areas from such intrusive industrial projects.

Our town deserves better planning and development decisions that align with our values and the long-term health and wellbeing of the residents of Cromwell. Please join me in opposing this data center development by signing this petition. Together, we can fight to protect our community's future and health. Sign this petition today to send a strong message to our Planning and Zoning Commission that our community's rights and health should be a priority.