Vantage Data Centers held an open house in Oregon ahead of a vote next week on its proposed project. Residents attended the Sunday event at Clay High School to ask questions about the one billion dollar facility. The meeting comes as voters prepare to decide on a measure to block the build.
A resident group called United Neighbors of Oregon has spent the past few months working to prevent the build. The proposed site sits off Corduroy and Wynn roads. Group volunteer Laura Davis said the company is spending large sums on its campaign.
“They’re spending monies, thousands, hundreds of thousands of dollars on this campaign to try and buy their way into Oregon. But I keep saying Oregon is not for sale,” Davis said.
Davis said she worries about the wetlands and nearby neighbors. Company leaders also spoke to attendees. Misty Allen, vice president of public policy for North America at Vantage Data Centers, addressed local worries.
“People want to understand the, where’s the energy coming from? How will that affect their energy rates? What about water use? And how is the data center going to use water?” Allen said.
Allen said the company will buy its own power. It will also pay for the needed power infrastructure. She noted the cooling setup will use a closed loop water system.
“When it comes to water use, we’re not going to use any more water than, say, a typical medium commercial office building. And we use closed loop water for chilling of the data center,” Allen said.
The facility would use 22,000 gallons of water daily, according to Allen. That matches the volume used by 65 homes. She said the city water plant told the firm it can service that need.
Davis said she remains unconvinced after the event. Davis said company representatives gave her one answer she liked. She said the firm indicated it would leave if opponents win the election.
“Obviously we would have to have conversations with city council and the folks who have been working on this development. But certainly, if the community doesn’t want us here, we’ll have to seriously consider not being here,” Allen said.
Charter amendment votes allow city residents to approve or deny changes to local governing rules. A vote can enact new prohibitions within the municipal code. The choice is decided directly at the ballot box.
Davis said the ballot language is confusing residents in Oregon. A yes vote on Issue 25 amends the city charter to ban construction. A no vote on the issue opposes blocking the construction.
