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Residents urge caution on data centers and cell towers, urge moratoriums and guarantees
Summary
Several residents told the assembly they fear that proposed data centers and additional cell towers could raise rates, create noise, and pose health or privacy risks; speakers urged moratoria, more research, and guarantees before negotiations advance.
Multiple residents spoke in public-comment and persons-to-be-heard segments about data centers and new telecom infrastructure, urging the assembly to slow negotiations and demand stronger protections.
Judy Elmer read comments from Kirsten Dupree that asked whether the borough understood potential negative impacts—including higher utility rates, noise during quiet months and unclear tax and land‑use consequences—and urged the borough not to "go along with the data center" without guarantees. "We need lots of guarantees for this project," Elmer read.
David Beebe, speaking for himself, argued for a moratorium and even a referendum, citing public-health concerns and a high local cancer-rate ranking in borough statistics; he urged the borough to assert its sovereignty and legal authority to protect privacy and safety.
Speakers also criticized perceived fast-paced negotiations with companies named in community materials and asked whether Greenspark or other firms would provide guarantees on rates, fire-department readiness and local economic benefits.
Assembly members and staff acknowledged concerns, recommended written comments and further study, and reiterated that some aspects (FCC preemption and federal law) constrain local authority over certain facilities. No formal moratorium was enacted; the assembly scheduled additional ordinance work (wireless facility zoning and utility agreements) and encouraged continued public input.
What happens next: Staff will continue drafting utility and zoning guardrails and the assembly will consider written comments and ordinance amendments in coming meetings.
