Portland residents share mixed reactions over potential data center project
News Clip2:02WKBW TV | Buffalo, NY·Portland, Chautauqua County, NY·4/14/2026
Residents in Portland, Chautauqua County, New York are voicing concerns over a proposed data center project near Lake Erie. While the Town Board has given general support for the idea, citing potential tax benefits, locals are worried about environmental impacts, noise, and light pollution. A petition against the project has rapidly gained over 2,000 signatures, indicating strong community opposition.
oppositionenvironmentalgovernmentzoningannouncement
Gov: Town Board, Town Supervisor Richard Lewis
The Town of Portland in Chautauqua County, New York, is at the center of a local controversy regarding a proposed data center project slated for a site along Lake Erie, near Route 5. The Town Board, led by Supervisor Richard Lewis, indicated