Imagine running a beloved family business that has brought joy, comfort, and care to countless dogs and their families for years. Look! Squirrel! Provides care to hundreds of dogs across the community.  This business is not just a job, but a passion, a community hub in Smithfield, RI, deeply rooted in tradition and trust. Look! Squirrel! Is run by a small team of people who work hard to provide optimal care of dogs of all ages.  Now, imagine the tranquility of this place, adored by both people and animals alike, being shattered by the construction of a massive data center right in its backyard.

The proposed data center threatens not only to disrupt the business operations but also to significantly alter the fabric of our neighborhood. The constant noise from machinery, increased traffic, and potential environmental hazards could greatly distress the animals we care for and erode the quality of life for residents. Dogs, known for their sensitive hearing, could face enormous stress, which is not conducive to their well-being or the caring environment we strive to maintain.

Study after study highlights the negative impacts of data centers on surrounding communities. Research shows that they can contribute to increased noise pollution, which studies indicate can lead to anxiety not only in humans but also severely impact pets. Moreover, these facilities often require significant water resources for cooling, which could diminish local water supplies, impacting local residents and wildlife alike. A study found that data centers can consume millions of gallons of water annually, straining resources in the surrounding area.

The shift from a small, serene community environment to an industrial hub could drastically affect local real estate values, disrupt ecosystems, and place pressure on local infrastructure that is not designed to support such facilities. Property values could decline, impacting local homeowners and real estate markets.

We cannot allow this transformation to happen without voicing our concerns. Smithfield deserves to remain a place that is safe to communities and local businesses. Look! Squirrel! prides themselves on the care  of  the dogs who attend, producing a safe and happy environment. Smithfield should continue to be where small businesses can flourish without the looming presence of industry giants. The community's voice is powerful, and we have an opportunity to stand together to protect what makes Smithfield unique.

Let's urge the city planners and stakeholders to reconsider this location and work with the community to find more appropriate venues for such developments. We need to prioritize our community's needs and the well-being of our cherished animals and businesses.

Sign this petition to help us protect Smithfield, Look! Squirrel!, and other neighboring businesses and communities from this unnecessary development intrusion. Together, we can preserve the peace, protect our environment, and ensure that our beloved family businesses continue to thrive.