Good evening my fellow citizens,

 My name is Scott Stratton-Henderson and I am a lifelong resident of St. Charles who cares deeply about protecting our community. I started this petition because I could not stand by and watch a project as large and impactful as this proposed data center move forward– especially given the devastating problems these facilities have caused in other communities around our nation and the troubling lack of transparency here due to non-disclosure agreements. 

In just 48 hours, something incredible has happened: nearly 2,000 signatures by St. Charles residents, 1,200 shares, and local news coverage. I cannot thank you enough– your support proves that St. Charles residents are paying attention and will speak up when it matters. This is not just my petition– it’s our voice. I have already sent the petition to my city councilman, Justin Foust of Ward Six, who has raised his own concerns about transparency. I’ve also sent this to Lara Berry of the Planning and Zoning commission. 

My plan for this petition going forward:

Continue building signatures and shares so our leaders see undeniable public opposition

Deliver the petition directly to city officials including members of the planning and zoning commission, the mayor, and all council members

Begin door knocking to raise more awareness

Push for more local news coverage

Present the petition at the developer’s open house and any other related meeting.

 
But remember– a petition is just a TOOL. Real change and influence happens when we show up and speak out. The developers will be hosting an open house on Thursday, August 14 from 5-7 pm at the Foundry Arts Centre. I will be inviting local media to cover the event, and I am asking all supporters of this petition to wear RED. It’s a powerful, visible sign of unity that makes our crowd look ten times larger and shows the developers–and our elected officials–that we are one community, standing together. I have confirmed that Councilman Foust will be attending. Please also reach out to your own council members to confirm their presence and share your concerns by email, phone, or in person before and after the open house. 

Do your own research on the impact of data centers–especially in Georgia, Texas, and Virginia– and you will see why so many communities have fought back. This is not a partisan issue. We must set aside political differences and stand together to protect our land, our water, our property values, and our way of life. St. Charles is our home. Our city will not be judged by how quickly we sell our land and water to a corporation– but by how widely we protect them for future generations. 

Let’s show up. Let’s be heard. And let's make sure the people we elected remember who they work for. 

Scott Stratton-Henderson