Request to rescind Portland resolution ignored
Community members in Portland, NY, are actively opposing the potential development of a data center on the former Sugar Hill Golf Course. Despite widespread public opposition and a petition with over 3,500 signatures, the Town Board has not rescinded its general resolution supporting the exploration of such development, noting that data centers are not currently a permitted use under town code and no formal proposal has been submitted.
Residents of Portland, New York, continue to vocally oppose the prospect of a data center being built on the former Sugar Hill Golf Course. At least a dozen community members have attended each of the last four Town Board meetings to protest the idea, following a vague resolution passed in March by the board that expressed "general support" for exploring such a concept.
Supervisor Rich Lewis disclosed that the property owner of the golf course inquired about bringing a data center to the site. Currently, data centers are not a permitted land use in Portland. However, Lewis and the Town Board indicated that if a formal proposal is submitted, it would undergo proper procedures, potentially leading to amendments to the Town Code or a special use permit. Town Attorney Joel Seachrist explained that a moratorium on data centers would be moot, as they are already disallowed by existing code.
Despite repeated requests from residents, including Kelly Perlette, who organized a Change.org petition with over 3,500 signatures, the Town Board has declined to rescind its March resolution. Board members, including Tammy Thompson, maintain that they are open to considering any responsible development that could strengthen the local tax base, particularly given the town's high percentage of tax-exempt properties. Residents, however, have expressed a preference for alternatives, such as the property becoming a state park, even if it meant higher taxes.
As of now, no formal plans for a data center have been submitted to the Town Board. According to Lewis, until a proper proposal is presented and follows all necessary steps, the ongoing public outcry is considered premature by the board.