Building a data center in our residential agricultural community in Iredell County poses significant risks to both the people living here and the local wildlife. This plan jeopardizes the safety, peace, and environment of our beloved neighborhood.

Data centers, with their enormous energy and water consumption, could strain our resources considerably. They require massive energy inputs, leading to increased emissions and environmental pollution. Additionally, they generate heat and noise pollution, affecting the quality of life for current residents.

Water consumption for cooling purposes in data centers is another grave concern. Although, Compass states they will not be using water to cool their systems, Compass has also stated they would be potentially moving to a hybrid cooling system, which would require water.  Iredell County, like many other regions, must manage its water resources carefully. The introduction of a large facility with huge water demands could lead to shortages, impacting both locals' daily lives and the diverse wildlife that relies on natural water sources.

There are alternative sites that could better accommodate such a facility without threatening residential life or wildlife. Industrial zones already equipped with necessary infrastructure are better suited for developments like a data center. They're planned for more intense land use and industrial operations, and shifting the proposed site to such a location will mitigate the negative impacts on our community.

We must act now to prevent Statesville City Council from authorizing this data center project in our residential area. Let us protect our homes, our environment, and our way of life—before it's too late. Please sign this petition to urge the City Council to deny approval for this inappropriate development site and consider alternative locations that align better with community and environmental interests.