Our community of Shelbyville, Indiana, is a place where families thrive, and natural beauty is cherished. The introduction of Project Hackman, a proposed data center, poses a significant threat to the environment, the town's physical character, and, most importantly, to the health and safety of our citizens. We acknowledge the importance of technology and data centers, but we cannot compromise our community's integrity for these developments.

The construction and operation of large data centers like Project Hackman typically require significant energy consumption and water usage. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers account for approximately 2% of the total electrical consumption in the United States. This level of energy use can lead to increased carbon emissions and strain community resources. In Shelbyville, known for its green spaces and tight-knit community, such developments can negatively impact air quality and increase noise pollution, adversely affecting the quality of life of residents.

Moreover, these projects often lead to a rise in local traffic due to construction activities and the eventual operation of the facility. For Shelbyville’s infrastructure, which is not designed to support heavy industrial traffic, this creates not only logistical nightmares but also safety risks, especially for children and elderly citizens who cherish outdoor activities.

In light of these concerns, we urge the Shelbyville City Council to halt Project Hackman and place a one-year moratorium on any new data center projects. During this period, we must conduct thorough assessments of the environmental, social, and economic impacts data centers will have on our community. It is crucial to explore sustainable planning solutions that align with Shelbyville’s values and ensure that any future developments do not compromise the community’s well-being.

We ask for your support in preserving Shelbyville's identity while still welcoming innovation that genuinely benefits us all. Please show your support by signing this petition and advocating for sustainable growth in Shelbyville, Indiana.