Living in Portland, NY, I appreciate the serene environment, the close-knit community, and the shared values that made this town more than just a place on the map, it is home. That's why the recent proposal to build an AI data center here in Chautauqua County feels so troubling and dissonant. It’s not just a personal inconvenience; it clashes deeply with the spirit of our cherished town.

Building a data center in this area, in Portland... on the shores of Lake Erie, is entirely out of harmony with our community’s practices and traditions. Our town thrives on tourism and an agricultural economy rooted in sustainability and local resilience. We must ask ourselves: How does an enormous, energy-intensive facility align with these values? The fact is, it doesn’t. To truly uphold our shared community principles, we cannot allow such developments to compromise our morals, our identity.

Beyond philosophical discrepancies, the environmental impact alone is a monumental concern. AI data centers are notorious for their massive energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers in the United States are responsible for approximately 2% of the overall electricity use, a figure expected to rise in coming years. Approval of this center would result in a significant increase in electricity usage, putting further stress on our local grid and potentially raising electricity costs for all of us.

Additionally, there are concerns about noise pollution from cooling systems and construction, which would disrupt the peace and quiet our town treasures. Did you know that there are 2 active eagle nests within just a few miles of the proposed site? What will constant humming and vibration do to the habitat for these beautiful, federally protected birds? The traffic increase from construction poses another threat to our local roads and routines. Are we prepared to accept these costs? I believe many of us agree that we are not.

Chautauqua County's beauty and integrity should not be compromised by decisions made without public consensus and thorough evaluation. In recent public forums, many residents have voiced their concerns regarding the impacts this project could have on the future of the community including allowing major industrial complexes to get a foot in the door here. It is happening in rural towns all over the nation as we speak, one building turns into two, two into four and continues growing from there. Accepting even one data center site creates a precedent that may allow more down the road (literally & figuratively). Do we want our quaint town to to turn into an industrial corridor for a few extra tax dollars?

We can take positive action by appealing to our town board to reject the proposal for this or any future AI data centers. We call on Town Supervisor Richard Lewis to uphold his responsibility to protect the long term health, character, and economic future of our community along Lake Erie. While development decisions shape Portland for generations, projects of this scale (particularly a data center with significant demands on water, energy, and infrastructure) is not something we want to harm our shoreline, burden taxpayers, or undermine existing local industries. As residents, we expect leadership that prioritizes long term, community supported development over short term gains. We urge Supervisor Lewis to listen to the voices of those who live and work here, to ensure a full and rigorous public process, and to stand firmly in defense of Lake Erie as a shared natural resource that cannot be compromised.

I urge all residents and supporters of our town’s identity to sign this petition. Let us preserve Portland’s essence for future generations and remain true to what this community truly stands for. Sign today to protect what we love about Portland.