The Community's Voice Against the Data Center
In a powerful demonstration of civic engagement, hundreds of Denver residents gathered this past Tuesday in protest of the CoreSite DE3 data center planned for their neighborhood. Concerned community members packed the Elyria-Swansea meeting, demanding accountability and answers from a developer who chose to skip the discussion altogether, citing safety fears.
Why the Outcry?
The decision by CoreSite to withdraw from the public meeting sparked a cascade of anger among those who felt their voices were silenced. Many residents expressed concerns over issues such as noise and light pollution, rising energy costs, and the impact on the already compromised local environment. One attendee, retired teacher Rob Prince, captured the frustration of many when he asked, "Can we stop it now?" Their questions illustrated a community in distress, worried that decisions made without local input could escalate into larger, unresolved issues.
A Catalyst for Change?
Mayor Mike Johnston’s proposal for a temporary halt to new data center projects in Denver has stirred a small glimmer of hope among protesters, yet activists like Alfonso Espino insist that a mere pause is insufficient. Instead, they demand "strong protections" that might potentially disincentivize new data centers altogether. This push for stringent regulations reflects a broader national trend where communities are rising to challenge the rapid expansion of data centers, which have become key players due to the growing demand for AI technologies.
A Broader Movement
This protest in Denver echoes similar movements across the country, where residents have successfully halted proposed data centers through organized opposition. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has also weighed in, calling for a national moratorium on data center development. However, such measures have yet to find significant traction in Congress.
While the battle over this particular data center is far from concluded, the determined residents of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea are ready to ensure their concerns are heard. As the world increasingly embraces technology, it’s crucial to find a balance that prioritizes community well-being over unchecked development.
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