In recent years, we've seen a rapid increase in the construction of data centers across the United States. While technology and data storage are essential, the unchecked proliferation of these facilities presents many issues for local communities such as ours here in Albany County, New York.

I am especially concerned because I've listened to testimonies given by ordinary citizens, like you and me, from various parts of the nation who have experienced firsthand the negative effects of data centers after they began operating in their neighborhoods. Increased energy consumption, overwhelming noise, environmental damage, diminished local landscapes, and the escalation of power grid demands are just a few of the alarming consequences reported by these communities, and the lack of control after the fact . 

Albany County, with its fresh water resources shall not be infringed upon because we are fortunate enough to have this natural resource. Many detrimental changes could occur if these facilities pop up in our region. Not only testimony but, physical evidence such as jars of brown contaminated water have been presented to multiple town boards from around America, after data centers entered their communities. The massive amounts of energy these centers require can put a significant strain on our local resources . They contribute to noise pollution, potentially threatening local wildlife and making our once-peaceful neighborhoods hard to recognize. Furthermore, the potential for soil and water contamination is a risk no community should bear lightly, especially when facts about such incidents are emerging nationwide. And when it has been found to be negatively affecting a suffering community , there is nearly anything that can be done . Litigation doesn't lead to change , there's usually an insignificant settlement. 

Instead of allowing a data center we urge our local officials to consider alternative solutions. Don't allow the zoning change to Kenwood Campus instruct EKG development that it must remain a mixed use campus , or residential area with no data center allowed .

Investing in green technology and sustainable community housing projects  could offer the dual benefit of meeting our housing needs without sacrificing our environment. Promoting solar inclusive housing  could help while keeping Albany County at the forefront of sustainable development. We don't need a trade-off, a quid-pro quo, a sacrifice just to get a few more homes . We don't want the risks involved with a data center.

The owners of the land for proposed Kenwood Commons tech campus are now applying for zoning change to a light industrial zone from a mixed-use campus. Living in a light industrial zone has never been recognized as healthy for anyone. People in Albany have fought for many years to remedy the disenfranchisement of minorities forced to live in these areas. Why would we create another one in the South end? The health and safety risks are too high to condone . Data centers traditionally are known to have a constant noise eminating from them , it has been well documented . Why would anyone intentionally live within ear shot of such noise? I believe the developers behind this 76 acre campus project are disengenuous . Their priority is the data center,not any of the proposed housing nor shops, or research lab spaces. Bait and switch is often used in these cases because they know it is an not a welcome entity in most cities. 

Join me and many others in taking a stand to protect our community. Sign the petition to prevent the construction of any new data centers in Albany County, New York. Together, we can advocate for a future that's healthier for both our citizens and our environment.